'Not Something That I Take Lightly,' Oilers Captain Connor McDavid Weighing up Every Option Before Making Contract Decision

Connor McDavid once again spoke regarding his future.

On Friday, the Edmonton Oilers captain claimed that his next contract decision is not something that he or his family is taking lightly.

The 7-time NHL All-Star put pen to paper on an 8-year, $100 million contract in 2017.

This saw him become one of the highest-paid players in the league with an Average Annual Value (AAV) of $12.5 million.

McDavid is now in the final year of this deal with the Oilers.

If he does not sign an extension and decides to run out his deal, he will become an Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA) in July 2026.

With him being one of the modern-day greats, the Oilers do not want to lose their cornerstone.

The Canadian international, though, is in no hurry to sign a new deal yet.

Recently, the forward opened up about his future and expressed his commitment to his future in Edmonton and winning things in this city.

The Oilers have not won the Stanley Cup since their triumph in 1990.

They have reached the finals in each of the last two seasons.

However, they suffered back-to-back losses against the Florida Panthers.

McDavid, who joined the team in 2015 as the No.1 draft pick, has already spent 10 years in Edmonton.

The upcoming season would be his 11th year representing the Oilers.

The 3-time NHL MVP is reportedly open to signing a short-term deal instead of a long one.

While speaking with the reporters after the practice on Friday, the 28-year-old expressed that he will take his time with his decision.

When youre trying to plan the next three, four, seven, nine years of your life, you dont just dream it up in one day, you take your time, talk it over, think about it some more, talk it over again.

Its not something that I take lightly, its not something that my family takes lightly.

Ive put everything I have into my career, just like everybody here.

You only get one chance to do it and to do it right and that leads to taking your time with it and thats where its at.

Connor McDavid told the reporters "I've put everything I have into my career.

You only get one chance to do it and to do it right.

And that leads to taking your time with it." Connor McDavid on contract talks with the Oilers.

pic.twitter.com/hMynLDOVvA Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) September 5, 2025 Since arriving in the 2015-16 season, McDavid has accomplished several huge milestones and won several personal accolades, including the Maurice Rocket Richard Trophy as the Leagues leading goal-scorer once and the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the playoffs.

The one thing that he wants to win, though, is the Stanley Cup.

Last season, McDavid once again reached the 100-point mark as he scored 26 goals and picked up 74 assists.

In the playoffs, he was the joint top point scorer for his team with Leon Draisaitl at 33 points (7 goals and 26 assists).

Leon Draisaitl wants to stay with Connor McDavid for as long as possible Connor McDavid s next contract has become a huge discussion point in NHL conversations.

Many are eager to hear some positive updates regarding this topic.

His forward partner, Leon Draisaitl , commented on this matter and expressed his desire to play with him for as long as possible.

Last year, the Oilers were able to lock down Draisaitl on a huge deal.

The German international signed a massive 8-year, $112 million deal, making him the highest paid player in the league with a $14 million AAV.

He now wants to see his teammate land such a big deal, too.

While speaking with the reporters after an informal skate on Thursday, he expressed that he would love to have his captain by his side for a long time.

Its not really for me to comment on, of course I want him here for as long as possible.

I want to do it with him, but its about him and his family and theyre going to make their decision based on whats best for them.

Leon Draisaitl said on Connor McDavids contract talk situation Leon Draisaitl on Connor McDavids contract situation: pic.twitter.com/U6Ipk1cfNM TSN (@TSN_Sports) September 4, 2025 The two of them have been teammates for 10 seasons and have formed one of the most formidable attacking duos in the league.

They have led the team to 2 successive finals and are hoping to contend for the cup again.

The Oilers will open their training camp on September 17 and play their first regular-season game on October 8, when they welcome the Calgary Flames to Rogers Place..

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