Connor McDavid to 'surprise' many with low-ball Oilers extension keeping Leon Draisaitl in mind, predicts insider

Connor McDavid is in the final years of his contract with the Edmonton Oilers, and his next move is already a major topic around the NHL. The captain is signed on an eight-year, $100 million deal, which carries a $12.5 million cap hit. When it expires in 2026, he will have the option to decide his future.

On the 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman said he believes McDavid could sign his next deal for less than many expect. He explained that McDavid is aware of the Oilers’ salary structure. Leon Draisaitl is signed to an eight-year, $112 million contract with a $14 million cap hit that runs through 2033. Darnell Nurse is on an eight-year, $74 million deal with a $9.25 million cap hit until 2030. Friedman said McDavid may not look to go much higher than those numbers.

“I think it’s going to surprise people where it could end up,” Friedman said on Monday. [21:06 onwards]

He noted that while one manager questioned his view, he feels confident McDavid will avoid chasing the highest possible salary.

"I just think he knows that with Draisaitl making what he's making and Nurse making what he's making, he can't go to a new stratosphere," Friedman added. "So, I will say this, like, one manager called me on the weekend and said, "Are you sure about that prediction?" And I said, I'm as certain as I can think I'm right, right, but I can't say 100% I'm not in his head."

Connor McDavid stays committed to Oilers, says Stan Bowman

Last season, Connor McDavid recorded 100 points, sixth in the league and second for the Oilers. In the playoffs, he had 33 points in 22 games, but the Oilers fell to the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final for the second year in a row. 10 years into his career, he is still waiting for his first championship, and he knows success depends on the strength of the team around him.

General manager Stan Bowman believes it is only a matter of time before an agreement is reached. Speaking with NHL.com at the start of training camp, he pointed to McDavid’s commitment.

“I just go by what Connor said, and that’s that he wants nothing more than to win in Edmonton,” Bowman said on Wednesday. “I take him at his word....When he’s ready, he’ll be ready.”

For now, Connor McDavid is focused on preparing for another season.

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Edited by Krutik Jain