The Edmonton Oilers are taking the same approach to Connor McDavid’s contract negotiations as they did with Leon Draisaitl.

Edmonton Oilers have no hammer in Leon Draisaitl or Connor McDavid negotiations, just a carrot and a stick | Edmonton Journal

As the Edmonton Oilers prepare for what they hope will be a deep playoff run, a familiar pattern is emerging in their approach to re-signing superstar Connor McDavid. Much like their strategy with Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers appear content to let the season play out before diving into contract negotiations.

According to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, he asked Oilers CEO Jeff Jackson about talks with McDavid. Jackson confirmed that no discussions have begun regarding McDavid’s extension, which isn’t surprising. While July 1 marks the earliest date a deal can be signed, Jackson emphasized that it’s not a deadline. This mirrors the Oilers’ handling of Draisaitl’s contract situation last year, where the focus remained on hockey until the offseason.

McDavid, under contract through the 2025-26 season, seems equally focused on leading the Oilers back to the Stanley Cup Final. The organization is comfortable being patient for a few reasons. First, McDavid will make what he makes. Signing now or in a few months doesn’t change that. Second, they believe in McDavid’s commitment to Edmonton. The Oilers feel as though they’ll be contenders and between now and July of 2025, it would be shocking if something happened that would change how McDavid feels about the organization.

The Timing on Contract Talks Works For McDavid Too

Chris Johnston added a bit of a wrinkle to things when he brought up the NHL’s potential salary cap increase. Reports suggest the cap could rise significantly for the 2025-26 season, potentially reaching $92 million or higher. While the exact figure depends on ongoing collective bargaining negotiations, this increase could provide the Oilers with greater flexibility to structure McDavid’s next deal.
Jeff Jackson on Connor McDavid negotiations with the Edmonton Oilers
For McDavid and other top-tier players, such as Kirill Kaprizov, Mikko Rantanen, and Mitch Marner, clarity on the cap’s trajectory will likely be pivotal in contract talks. LeBrun tweeted on Tuesday:

Part of the NHL’s update to owners today was the salary cap projection for next season. Owners were told that currently if based on normal CBA formula, it would be 5 percent increase. But that could be affected by upcoming CBA talks with NHLPA where a “phase-in” possibility exists for a higher cap jump. So owners have been told to be ready for either scenario.

For now, the Oilers are taking things slowly. It was a proven method that worked seamlessly with Draisaitl and there is little reason to think it won’t work with McDavid.

The Oilers have every reason to feel optimistic about locking in McDavid long-term, and fans should remain patient as the process unfolds.