Oilers F Connor McDavid doesn't want to rush contract talks

Field Level Media|published: Wed 27th August, 15:57 2025

NHL: Edmonton Oilers at Chicago Blackhawks

Feb 5, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) warms up against the Chicago Blackhawks before the game at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

As he prepares to enter the final season on his contract, Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid said he won't rush extension talks.

"Like I said in June, I had every intention to take my time with it, and I still feel see the same way," McDavid said on Wednesday. "Take my time and go through everything."

The 28-year-old forward spoke to the media at Canada's Olympic orientation camp in Calgary, his first comments since falling to the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final in June.

It was the second straight loss in the championship series for the Oilers and McDavid said his goal remains to lead Edmonton to its first championship since 1990.

"I have every intention to win in Edmonton, that's my only focus maybe next to winning the gold medal with Canada," he said. "Take my time and go through it with my family, my agent, and everybody involved."

McDavid is heading into the final season of an eight-year, $100 million contract signed in July 2017. A new deal is likely to make the Oilers captain one of the highest-paid players in NHL history.

Currently, the $12.5 million average annual value of his deal ranks fourth in the league behind teammate Leon Draisaitl ($14 million), Toronto's Auston Matthews ($13.25M) and Colorado's Nathan MacKinnon ($12.6M).

McDavid recorded 100 points (26 goals, 74 assists) in 67 games in 2024-25, adding 33 points (seven goals, 26 assists) in 22 playoff games.

The three-time Hart Trophy winner has tallied 1,082 points (361 goals, 721 assists) in 712 games since the Oilers drafted him No. 1 overall in 2015.

--Field Level Media