The Connor McDavid contract saga has found its way into the NHL preseason for the Edmonton Oilers.<\/p>\n
Anxiety is the name of the game these days in Oil Country as McDavid is preparing to enter the final season of his contract. Though the Oilers captain has yet to appear in a preseason game this year, many are awaiting his big off-ice move by signing an extension with the team.<\/p>\n
There have been mixed signals lately, with Edmonton GM Stan Bowman remaining confident<\/a> that a deal will get done. On the other side, a concerning interview<\/a> between McDavid and Sportsnet\u2019s Kyle Bukauskas and Elliotte Friedman had some thinking that an extension may not be in the cards.<\/p>\n It\u2019s anybody\u2019s guess on how this saga will eventually end, but Friedman\u2019s may hold more weight considering his inside knowledge. On the latest edition of the 32 Thoughts podcast<\/a>, the veteran NHL insider made a specific prediction on what McDavid\u2019s next contract will look like if he does return to the Oilers.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe, I really believe more than ever, if McDavid signs in Edmonton, if he does, it\u2019ll be for a lower number than we all expect,\u201d Friedman said. \u201cI think it\u2019s going to surprise people where it could end up.<\/p>\n \u201cI just think he knows with Draisaitl making what he\u2019s making, and Nurse making what he\u2019s making, he can\u2019t go to a new stratosphere [with his next cap hit].\u201d<\/p>\n Projections for McDavid\u2019s next cap hit<\/a> have ranged anywhere between $16 to $19 million. That would make him the highest-paid player in NHL history, beating out teammate Leon Draisaitl, who currently holds a $14 million cap hit.<\/p>\n Edmonton also has defenceman Evan Bouchard locked down to a $10.5 million cap hit for the next four seasons, and Darnell Nurse will carry a $9.25 million cap hit until the 2029-30 season. Though the cap is rising significantly in the next few years, having McDavid potentially knocking on the door of becoming the league\u2019s first $20 million cap hit would hinder management.<\/p>\n The Oilers captain probably understands this and is considering that possibility. It could spell trouble for Edmonton as McDavid could certainly get more elsewhere, but Friedman pushed back on the notion of him leaving on Sportsnet 590 The Fan later on Monday.<\/p>\n \u201cHe likes that current group,\u201d Friedman said of McDavid. \u201cHe\u2019s loyal to Draisaitl, he\u2019s loyal to Hyman, he\u2019s loyal to Ekholm, he\u2019s loyal to Nugent-Hopkins, he stood up for Nurse publicly when Nurse was taking a lot of heat in the market.<\/p>\n \u201cI just don\u2019t see him leaving those guys while the window is still open\u2026 I just don\u2019t see him leaving that group, who he\u2019s very loyal to.\u201d<\/p>\n “I just don’t see him leaving that group, who he’s very loyal to.”@FriedgeHNIC<\/a> shares his thoughts on Connor McDavid’s next contract with @Mattymar89<\/a> and @FutaMichael<\/a>. #LetsGoOilers<\/a> <\/p>\n LIVE \u2935\ufe0f \u2014 Sportsnet 590 The FAN (@FAN590) September 22, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Oilers fans will be hoping that Friedman is right and that McDavid stays loyal to Edmonton. Until he signs his name on an extension, however, the situation will continue to be a distraction for the team.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcfa https:\/\/t.co\/SqK7M993Jz<\/a> & @Sportsnet<\/a> 360
\ud83d\udcfb https:\/\/t.co\/tEtiRUWyip<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/Ilb4QSEYcH<\/a><\/p>\n