Connor McDavid in ‘No Rush’ to Make Decision Regarding Future with Oilers Following 2nd Straight Stanley Cup Final Defeat

Connor McDavid has one year remaining on his 8-year, $100 million deal that he signed with the Edmonton Oilers in 2017.

Connor McDavid in ‘No Rush’ to Make Decision Regarding Future with Oilers Following 2nd Straight Stanley Cup Final Defeat

Connor McDavid (Image via Imago)

It was another heartbreak for Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday as they got lost a 2nd straight Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers. Following the loss, questions were raised regarding the future of McDavid. The Oilers captain claimed that he was in ‘no rush’ to make a decision on this.

The 3-time NHL MVP signed an 8-year, $100 million contract ($12.5 million AAV) in 2017. He now has one year remaining on this deal and will become an Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA) in July 2026 if he does not sign a contract extension with the team.

McDavid and the Oilers want the Stanley Cup more than anything. Since their win in 1990, the team has made 3 trips to the Stanley Cup Finals and have lost out on all 3 occasions.

Following their recent setback against the Panthers, the Oilers’ No.97 was asked about his thoughts regarding his contract and future. While answering this, he expressed that he was in ‘no rush’ to make any decision at the moment.

It’s only been a couple days since the season ended. You know, take some time to regroup. You know, talk to my agent a little bit and family and all that, and make some decisions whenever that time comes. But there’s no rush, no rush on anything like that.

McDavid was once again one of the top performers for his team in the playoffs this year. He scored 7 goals and had 26 assists (33 points) in 22 games. He finished as the joint-top point scorer for his team with Leon Draisaitl also having 33 points.

Last year, he would win the Conn Smythe Trophy, the award given to the playoffs MVP. He would become just the 6th player to win this honor after losing the finals. This year, the award went to Sam Bennett for his 15 goals and 7 assists.

Connor McDavid claims there is ‘unfinished business’ with Oilers following Stanley Cup Final loss

After suffering a heartbreaking defeat in 2024, it seemed things would turn out different this year for the Edmonton Oilers as they won a dramatic Game 1 in overtime. However, the Florida Panthers mounted a strong comeback and broke the hearts of Oilers once again. On Thursday, Connor McDavid claimed that there is some ‘unfinished business’ of his with the team while further discussing his contract.

Connor McDavid
Connor McDavid (Image via Imago)

The No.1 draft pick in 2015 has often been compared to Wayne Gretzky for his playing style. This comparisons have often led to heavy expectations on the shoulders of the current Oilers captain as the team tries to regain the cup.

In the press conference on Thursday, the 28-year-old explained that the team’s core had been together for a while and that they have been working on going over the finish line.

This core has been together for a long time, And we’ve been building to to this moment all along… Yeah, we’re we’re all in this together, trying to get it over that finish line. With that being said, ultimately, still need to do what’s best for me and my family. That’s who you have to take care of first. But of course, there’s unfinished business here.

Since joining the team in 2015, McDavid has broken several records and accomplished many things. In his 10 season stay with the team so far, the Canadian international has over 1,000 points, 1,082 points (361 goals, 721 assists) in 712 career games to be precise.

Leon Draisaitl comments on Connor McDavid’s future with Oilers

With another disappointing loss in the Stanley Cup Final, there have been some questions thrown at Connor McDavid’s future with the Edmonton Oilers. On Thursday, his teammate Leon Draisaitl also made a comment regarding his future and addressed the situation.

Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl (Image via Heavy Hockey Now)

Draisaitl signed a massive 8-year, $112 million contract ($14 million AAV) in September 2024, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league. A reporter would bring this up and ask what kind of conversations he had with his strike partner.

I haven’t really talked to Connor about it yet… That’s his situation and he will do what’s best for him and his family. Do I want him here forever? Yes, of course, I think everybody does.

Along with McDavid, Draisaitl was the top point scorer for his team. He even scripted NHL history with 4 overtime goals in a single postseason. Despite this heroics, they were unable to guide their team to ultimate victory over the Panthers.

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