Connor McDavid signs 2-Year, $12.5 million Extension with Edmonton Oilers
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Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid has agreed to a two-year contract extension with an average annual value (AAV) of $12.5 million, the team announced october 7, 2025. The deal avoids free agency and keeps the NHL’s most dynamic player with the Oilers thru the 2026-27 season. The announcement comes as the team navigates contract talks with several key players.
The decision by McDavid to accept less than his potential maximum value underscores his commitment to building a championship contender in Edmonton. He could have pursued a deal worth up to 20 percent of the salary cap, a first for any player in the salary-cap era, but instead opted for a shorter-term agreement that provides the Oilers with greater adaptability. This move allows the team to address the contracts of other vital players, including Leon Draisaitl, and potentially add pieces to bolster their roster.
Winning is his top priority.
McDavid’s career has been marked by individual brilliance. He has already secured one Hart Trophy and Art Ross Trophy, and has sence added three more Hart Trophies, five art Ross titles, the Rocket Richard Trophy in 2022-23, and the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2024. Last season, at 27 years, 306 days old, he became the fourth youngest and fourth fastest player in NHL history to reach 1,000 career points, achieving the milestone in 659 games. He currently has 1,082 points in 712 games, along with 150 points in 96 playoff contests, averaging 1.53 points per game – third behind only Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux.
The Oilers have reached the Stanley Cup Final in back-to-back seasons but have yet to secure a championship. The team’s core is aging, and its prospect pool is limited, making McDavid’s continued presence crucial. His willingness to take a slight discount demonstrates a dedication to the team’s long-term success and a desire to create a winning environment in Edmonton.
This extension differs from Leon Draisaitl’s eight-year commitment last summer, representing a more flexible approach for McDavid. He has established deep roots in Edmonton, with his wife, Lauren, recently opening the restaurant Bar Trove in the city’s downtown core.The deal also reflects a strong relationship with the team’s hockey operations CEO, Jeff Jackson, formerly McDavid’s agent.
Did You Know?
Connor McDavid became the fourth youngest and fourth fastest player in NHL history to reach 1,000 career points, achieving the milestone at 27 years, 306 days old and in 659 games.
Pro Tip:
Keep an eye on how this contract impacts the Oilers’ ability to re-sign other key players and potentially acquire additional talent in the coming seasons.
💙 pic.twitter.com/7YytCvszz2
– Connor McDavid (@cmcdavid97) October 6, 2025
| Contract Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | 2 Years |
| AAV | $12.5 Million |
| Total Value | $25 Million |
| Previous Hart Trophies | 4 |
| previous Art Ross Trophies | 5 |
What does this contract mean for the Oilers’ championship aspirations? And how will this decision influence other star players’ contract negotiations?
Background: The Salary Cap Era
The NHL’s salary cap, introduced in 2005, aims to create competitive balance by limiting the amount teams can spend on player salaries. The cap is tied to league revenue, and its fluctuations substantially impact team building strategies. players like Connor McDavid, with extraordinary talent and market value, often push the boundaries of the cap, leading to complex negotiations and creative contract structures.
Frequently Asked questions
- What is Connor McDavid’s new AAV? McDavid’s new average annual value (AAV) is $12.5 million.
- How long is Connor McDavid’s contract extension? the extension is for two years, covering the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons.
- Why did McDavid take less than his maximum potential contract? McDavid prioritized team success and flexibility for the Oilers in future contract negotiations.
- What impact will this have on the Oilers’ other contracts? this extension provides the Oilers with more cap space to re-sign other key players.
- What are McDavid’s career accomplishments? McDavid has won four Hart Trophies, five Art Ross Trophies, the Rocket richard Trophy, and the Conn Smythe Trophy.
This is a pivotal moment for the Edmonton Oilers and their pursuit of a Stanley Cup. mcdavid’s commitment, even with a slightly reduced financial package, signals a strong belief in the team’s potential. We’d love to hear your thoughts – what do you think of McDavid’s decision, and how far can the oilers go with him leading the charge? Share your opinions in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow hockey fans!
