The NHL’s biggest star could be on the verge of signing the most lucrative contract in league history. As the 2026 free agency window draws closer, Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid is once again in the spotlight, not just for his on-ice brilliance but for what could become a record-setting contract.
McDavid has spent his entire NHL career with the Oilers and just led them to their second straight Stanley Cup Final appearance. Despite falling short again, his playoff performance was nothing short of extraordinary, reinforcing his status as the league’s top player. McDavid has been the face of the Oilers since he was drafted first overall, and though no one is suggesting he’s leaving, contract talk is intensifying.
Fans React As Insider Predicts Massive Payday Ahead for Connor McDavid
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, McDavid’s next deal could reach as high as $17 million per year in average annual value (AAV), a number that reflects both his impact on the game and the league’s rising salary cap.
Elliotte Friedman: Connor McDavid’s next contract is “going to be at a massive number (15? 16? 17?)” – Sportsnet
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) June 21, 2025
McDavid will officially become a free agent in 2026, and while Oilers fans hope he never hits the open market, there’s little doubt he will be paid handsomely, either by the Oilers or another team if it comes to that.
With the NHL’s salary cap projected to increase in the coming years, there’s more room for top-tier players like McDavid to push new financial boundaries. Friedman noted that $17 million annually is a real possibility, especially considering McDavid’s teammate Leon Draisaitl just inked a $14 million-per-year deal. Many believe anything under that for McDavid would be a bargain.
Fans across the league have mixed reactions to the rumored contract size. One fan commented that McDavid is “never gonna win a Cup getting paid that much” and emphasized the importance of leaving cap space for the rest of the team, echoing a similar issue fans see with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Another said, “If he wants to win, it can’t be as high as Draisaitl.”
If he wants to win, it can’t be as high as draisaitl
— Notfaketrustmeplz (@Notfaketeu21570) June 21, 2025
Another fan reiterated the cap space issue, echoing a broader concern: “He’ll never get the supporting cast he needs taking up all that cap space.” One fan speculated more optimistically, suggesting, “$16M is my guess. Whether it’s 8-year max or shorter term remains to be seen. It would nicely be highest in league (for now) above Leon’s $14M, which Marner will likely be around too. Sets the bar for players. If he goes 8 years it would be $128M, just passing Ovi’s $124M deal.”
$16M is my guess. Whether it’s 8 year max or shorter term remains to be seen. It would nicely be highest in league (for now) above Leon’s $14M, which Marner will likely be around too. Sets the bar for players. If he goes 8 years it would be $128M, just passing Ovi’s $124M deal.
— Blair Farthing (@CTVBlair) June 21, 2025
Others see McDavid’s value as unmatched and believe he deserves whatever deal he commands. His last contract was a perfect example of that balance. Initially set at $13.33 million per year, McDavid chose to reduce it to $12.5 million to give the team more flexibility. That kind of decision shows his commitment to winning, not just personal earnings.
Now the Oilers face a familiar challenge: surrounding McDavid with a strong enough team to win it all. If they can build a true contender, there’s a strong chance he re-signs before hitting free agency. But if not, McDavid’s next deal, whether with the Oilers or elsewhere, could reset the standard for superstar contracts in the NHL.
