Inside Connor McDavid’s contract buzz amid his unusual summer

Connor McDavid is enjoying his summer vacation, but fans and media alike keep holding their breath over his contract status with the Edmonton Oilers. But according to insider Frank Seravalli, this summer has been positive, because the Oilers’ captain is calm and cool, and not worried about the ongoing contract negotiations.

“It’s been a very social summer; my understanding is that numbers haven’t even been exchanged yet…and yet there doesn’t seem to be any hint of nerves or panic,” explained Seravalli on Bleacher Report.

Just recently, Edmonton Journal’s Jim Matheson reported that McDavid is set to re-sign with the Oilers, as he’s been eligible to do so since July 1st with a year left on his current $12.5 million AAV contract. Rumours have been hinting at a possible term of three or four years, not the full eight like his best friend and teammate Leon Draisaitl, whose record-setting $14 million AAV kicks in this fall. The two superstars are close on and off the ice, in fact, they’re currently in Europe together on a honeymoon trip with their spouses, Leon and Celeste alongside Connor and Lauren.

Matheson believes that McDavid will not be taking a “hometown discount” in the $16 million range so the team can sign more players. The NHL’s salary cap will be $104 million in 2026-27, which means the maximum AAV allowed for one player is $20.8 million.

The Oilers don’t really need to negotiate here. Matheson claims that McDavid will write the number and the term, and the team will sign it. His wife Lauren also has business interests in Edmonton, which helps anchor him to the city.

Maybe that’s why everyone involved in negotiations remains calm when it comes to McDavid’s next deal. But the same cannot be said of fans hoping to see the captain stick around until he retires. For fans, this feels nerve-wracking, but insiders suggest there’s no reason to panic. The Oilers and McDavid’s camp are likely playing a long game, ensuring the eventual deal satisfies both sides, and preserves the team’s competitive window in the process.

In his exit interview after another Cup Final loss, McDavid admitted he will take some time to accept losing his second consecutive Stanley Cup Final before turning his attention to a potential contract extension.

This summer may not be about contract drama. Instead, it seems McDavid is taking the rare opportunity to enjoy a more relaxed offseason, reminding everyone that even hockey’s biggest stars need a break in order to come back harder, better, faster and stronger.