Connor McDavid’s Oilers Extension: Why He Left Millions on the Table

0 Sara Smith October 06, 2025

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NHL and left Toronto Maple Leafs fans crestfallen, Connor McDavid has put pen to paper on a two-year contract extension to remain with the Edmonton Oilers. The deal, worth a team-friendly $12.5 million AAV, slams the door shut on the feverish speculation that had him pegged for a move to his hometown team. For now, the dream of seeing McDavid in blue and white is on hold until at least July 1, 2028.

This isn’t just a contract; it’s a statement. In an era where players are maximizing their earning potential, McDavid chose loyalty over the largest possible paycheck. Just last week, Kirill Kaprizov reset the market with a staggering $17M AAV. McDavid could have demanded more, and no one would have blinked. Instead, he kept his cap hit at $12.5 million, the same as his previous deal. This tells you everything you need to know about his mindset: it’s not about the money. It’s about winning a Stanley Cup in Edmonton.

McDavid’s Unfinished Business in Edmonton

Let’s be clear: this decision is a masterclass in leadership. McDavid is a generational talent, a three-time Hart Trophy winner who has led the league in scoring five times. He knows that to build a championship roster, you need financial flexibility. By taking less, he’s giving GM Stan Bowman the room to retain key players and add the missing pieces needed to make a legitimate run.

He’s betting on himself and his team, signaling to the locker room and the entire league that his only focus is bringing a championship back to the city that drafted him. Last season’s 100 points and dominant playoff performance were just a taste of what he’s capable of. This extension proves his commitment to the Edmonton Oilers is absolute.