What's next for Connor McDavid? How first-round loss to Ducks impacts star's future with Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers fell short in a disappointing playoff showing, losing to the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the playoffs.

The Oilers came close to winning the Stanley Cup over the last two years and entered 2026 with expectations of returning to the Final. However, Edmonton once again had goaltending problems and couldn't solve its defensive issues despite employing Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

The focus for Edmonton now turns to the offseason, as the Oilers have to find a way to break through in McDavid's prime. Here's a look at what's next for the Oilers.

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What's next for Connor McDavid? 

For the first time since 2021, McDavid was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, which will give him a much longer time to rest. In the previous two years, McDavid and the Oilers played in the Stanley Cup Final, which led to shorter offseasons and quick turnarounds.

Now, McDavid will have time to think about his future and how the Oilers can approach the final two years of his deal. The superstar forward was set to hit free agency this offseason but decided to sign an extension to give himself more time in Edmonton.

However, the clock is ticking on McDavid's time with the Oilers. It is likely that McDavid will want out at some point soon if the Oilers can't get over the Stanley Cup Final hurdle.

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Connor McDavid contract

McDavid has two years left on his contract after he signed a two-year, $25 million extension with the Oilers last year. The star center had an eight-year, $100 million deal that expired this season, but decided to re-sign for the two years at a reasonable $12.5 million per year.

McDavid could have gotten. a raise, but instead signed for the same AAV that he had made over the past eight seasons. When signing the extension, McDavid's intention was to leave money on the table and allow the Oilers to spend the money elsewhere.

"Obviously, the feeling was I was going to get some raise," McDavid said, via The Athletic. "The money they've gotten back is money they can go spend. That was the feeling."

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Will Connor McDavid request a trade?

McDavid has not show any desire to request a trade from the Oilers. However, the contract that McDavid signed makes it more likely that he will at least think about his future in Edmonton.

With his contract set to expire this year, McDavid signed a two-year extension with the Oilers instead of going with a longer-term deal. That allows McDavid to reach free agency in 2028 at the age of 32 and gives him more control over his future.

As McDavid could have signed for more than $12.5 million, his relatively reasonable salary and short-term contract would allow more trade suitors to try and trade for him if he decides he wants out.

Highest paid NHL players

McDavid will be the fifth-highest paid player in the NHL in 2026-27, when his extension officially begins.