Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid declined to commit to a contract extension following the team\'s Stanley Cup Final defeat, creating anxiety among fans and management as he becomes eligible to sign July 1.
The three-time NHL MVP enters the final year of his eight-year, $100 million deal without an extension. McDavid\'s noncommittal stance mirrors the uncertainty that gripped Edmonton before Leon Draisaitl signed his eight-year, $112 million extension last summer.
Speaking after the Florida Panthers clinched their second consecutive championship, McDavid emphasized winning as his primary concern while acknowledging personal considerations.
\"Winning is the most important thing. If I feel there\'s a good window to win here over and over again, then signing is no problem. We\'re all in this together, trying to get it over that finish line. With that being said, ultimately, I still need to do what\'s best for me and my family and that\'s who I have to take care of first, but of course, there is still unfinished business here, yeah.\"
The Edmonton Journal reported McDavid\'s refusal to declare loyalty to Edmonton \"sent chills up the spines of an entire city.\" The 28-year-old center remains hockey\'s premier talent despite lacking a Stanley Cup championship.
Draisaitl declined to speculate on his teammate\'s decision while expressing hope McDavid remains in Edmonton.
\"There\'s nothing I can tell you right now that you want to hear or need to hear. That\'s his situation and he will do what\'s best for him and his family. Do I want him here forever? Yes, of course, I think everybody does. But there\'s not much I can give you there.\"
The NHL\'s salary cap increase will significantly impact McDavid\'s next contract. The cap rises from $88 million to $95.5 million next season, with projections reaching $113.5 million by 2027-28.
McDavid could command over $20 million annually under the 20% salary cap maximum, nearly doubling his current $12.5 million average. The cap increases stem from rising attendance, media rights, and overall league revenue.