One of the hottest topics this offseason surrounds something that is still one year away: Connor McDavid is entering the final year of his contract and has yet to sign an extension with the Edmonton Oilers.
McDavid did make some cryptic comments at his exit interview, indicating that “I still need to do what’s best for me and my family,” as well as acknowledging a lack of cap space going forward. He also stated he was in no rush to get a new contract done, as he has until July 1 of next year to put pen to paper.
This has opened the door to rumors galore. Most recently, TSN insider Frank Seravalli opined on a Bleacher Report podcast that there is a multitude of realistic destinations for the Oilers captain if he does become a free agent in the summer of 2026.
Though there is still plenty of time for McDavid to re-sign and stay in Edmonton, which Seravalli thinks could happen before the start of training camp in September, here are some of the teams that would welcome the skill of the NHL’s most talented player.
The Rangers are in the midst of a retool with former captain Jacob Trouba, career Blueshirt Chris Kreider, and top defenseman K’Andre Miller all departing Broadway in the past year. The focus is shifting away from loyalty to its longtime skaters, and towards the talent that could carry the team back from mediocrity towards perennial contention.
McDavid would be joining New York at the perfect time: he has potential linemates in Mika Zibanejad and JT Miller, and potentially Artemi Panarin (if he does not pursue free agency in 2026). That, plus the still-developing talent of Alexis Lafreniere. The team is aging, but figures to get much younger in the upcoming season especially with the goal of freeing up cap space in both the short- and long-term. GM Chris Drury isn’t afraid to dismantle his roster if he has to, and he is expected to continue to be aggressive with his moves.
New York is projected to have over $29 million to work with next summer, so finances are the least of the Rangers’ worries. McDavid is chasing a championship, and if New York can find more success this upcoming season, then it would provide a very compelling case for McDavid to join the ranks come next summer.
When it comes to firepower up front, the Leafs have no shortage of that and it would certainly be enticing for McDavid to team up with some elite scorers and playmakers. Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Matthew Knies are all locked up for several more seasons, offering a level of stability and genuine competitiveness.
With Stanley Cup contention at the forefront of the discussion, it doesn’t get much more persuasive than the Maple Leafs. Despite the lack of deep playoff runs over the last decade, it would be a perfect fit for both sides of the equation. Toronto is looking for the X-factor that will send them over the edge, and with a strong supporting cast, no doubt would McDavid provide that boost towards a championship.
Now, with Mitch Marner leaving Toronto for the Vegas Golden Knights, there is less of a financial crunch to deal with as well. The major re-signing that needs to get done is that of goalie Anthony Stolarz, who will command a slight pay raise over his current $2.5 million AAV. Still, the Maple Leafs are set to have more than $24 million in cap space approaching free agency in 2026, which is plenty of wiggle room to bring on McDavid. That will limit their roster decisions going forward, having multiple of the NHL’s highest-paid players on the books, but Toronto is poised to be competitive long into the future and with the salary cap continuing to increase, it may not be the biggest problem in the world.
This wouldn’t be a viable list if we didn’t include the possibility that McDavid remains an Oiler, at least in the short-term. Remember, McDavid referenced the fact that there is “unfinished business” in Edmonton after losing two straight Stanley Cup Finals when he was giving his year-end interviews in June.
Alongisde fellow superstar Leon Draisaitl, who is signed with the Oilers through 2033, it’s hard to imagine McDavid wanting to depart Edmonton at least as the team is in the midst of its Stanley Cup window.
The obstacle for the Oilers is going to be re-shaping the roster next summer. Twelve players including McDavid will need a new contract, and depending on how the upcoming season turns out, not many of them could return. Both goalies currently on the roster will need to be re-signed, or replacements found, in addition to five forwards aside from the Oilers captain.
But if GM Stan Bowman can make enough strides to keep the team competing at an elite level, then McDavid could wind up remaining in Edmonton either on a middle-term deal of three to four years or a monster maximum-term extension that some people are expecting.
