McDavid, Oilers still negotiating extension ahead of season

Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers have not yet reached an agreement on a contract extension with the superstar captain entering the final year of his current deal, but both sides say talks remain active and there is a realistic path to a resolution before the regular season. McDavid has one year remaining on a contract that carries a 12.5 million dollar average annual value and would be eligible for unrestricted free agency when that deal expires after the 2025-26 season. The player has signaled he will take his time weighing his options, while team officials and league observers expect negotiations to continue through the coming weeks.

Speaking at Team Canada’s Olympic orientation camp, McDavid reiterated a stance he has maintained since the summer. "I said at the end of June I had every intention just to take my time with it and I still feel the same way," he told reporters. "Take my time and go through everything. I have every intention to win in Edmonton. It is my only focus, maybe next to winning a gold medal with Canada." He added that all options are on the table and that he does not have a preference on whether a new deal is completed before the regular season begins.