Elliot Friedman's Thoughts On McDavid Contract Situation

[TBone]

Thoughts on Connor McDavid's contract situation

Elliotte Friedman
August 27, 2025

CALGARY -- Was putting together some notes on Team Canada bringing together its men’s, women’s and Paralympic hockey hopefuls in Calgary — trying to become the first country to win all three gold medals in one Olympic year.

But Connor McDavid's contract news overshadowed everything, so let’s pivot.

McDavid, who can be an unrestricted free agent next July 1, reiterated Wednesday that he has “every intention to win in Edmonton,” but added it was not a guarantee he’d sign before the start of the season.

“I’d say all options are on the table. I don’t have a preference either way.”

Some thoughts:

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/th ... situation/

[Nublues69]

Tbone

Sounds like that was a message for edm to get their sheet together or else.

[TBone]

Tbone

Sounds like that was a message for edm to get their sheet together or else.

Agreed.

[callitwhatyouwant]

it's kind of interesting that this is being talked about 2 months later. It appeared this was the case at his presser. He basically made it known that the team had to be better for this to be a sure thing. I posted that one stat last week about how there aren't any teams with 100 point players winning the cup in the same season and that dates back to Malkin and Crosby. So there is precedent that Draisitl and McJesus can do it. But last year was just as likely they get bounced in the first round as them making the cup run if it wasn't for Byfield flipping the series. that thing looked locked up.

After that moment, they caught their stride and played Oilers hockey, probably the best version of it we will see. McDavid probably noticed that too and realized it still wasn't enough.

[Nublues69]

I think losing holloway and broberg is exactly why they didnt win. IMO

[TheJackBurton]

He's gone. Which is why Edmonton made sure to lock up Drai.

[bluecalgary]

I cannot imagine the vice Edmonton's ownership and mgmt will be in when the trade deadline approaches and McJesus is not re-signed by then... and if for some reason the Oilers run into any adversity, that chair is going to be mighty hot....

[callitwhatyouwant]

The bummer for the Oil is that there really isn't a fair negotiation from their side. They kind of have to sell that they have the best roster available for him before he goes and shops around. And like others have said, the Oilers can't risk it getting to the trade deadline. If that happens you HAVE to trade him. If you don't and you get bounced in the playoffs before the cup, no way he resigns.

Also, McDavid isn't going to be able to take a friendly deal anywhere, because the players union will force him into a big contract. He sets the ceiling for all other contracts. Should be interesting to see how it all unfolds.

[Mr.Snuggleupagus]

Kyrou
Faulk
Jecho
Jiricek
Hofer
1st

[dhsux]

"I don't want any distractions" ( for the team?)

Well Conner....then sign a contract extension because this is one BIG distraction to not extend.

I don't blame him.....but what is truly unique goes right to his character....for once...IT REALLY ISN'T THE MONEY....( AP any one?) ...this guy is hedging because he wants a Cup before he retires and I have to admire that.....a lot.

[DawgDad]

This is how the modern world works. He can extend with the Oilers and play on good but fading teams flying thousands of miles over nothing or he can sign with an Eastern team for a boatload of money, make a killing on endorsements, take more short-hop flights, and hope for the best in hockey terms.

Marner went west. It all balances out.

[WilliamWestcliffe]

Well.......does he want to win or to get paid?

Because there isn't a single team in the NHL that can give him the max value on his next contract AND realistically continue to compete for a cup beyond maybe one year exploiting LTIR.

The pucks in his court and all this posturing he's doing tells me one of three things (none of which bode well for Edmonton):

1. his priority is to get max contract value.
2. his priority is to win a cup, but doesn't think it can be done in Edmonton.
3. he doesn't want to be in Edmonton.

Otherwise, negotiate a reasonable contract now with Edmonton and tell them exactly where/how you want them to spend the contract savings to supplement you with the team you think you need to win.

[bluetunehead]

Well.......does he want to win or to get paid?

Because there isn't a single team in the NHL that can give him the max value on his next contract AND realistically continue to compete for a cup beyond maybe one year exploiting LTIR.

The pucks in his court and all this posturing he's doing tells me one of three things (none of which bode well for Edmonton):

1. his priority is to get max contract value.
2. his priority is to win a cup, but doesn't think it can be done in Edmonton.
3. he doesn't want to be in Edmonton.

Otherwise, negotiate a reasonable contract now with Edmonton and tell them exactly where/how you want them to spend the contract savings to supplement you with the team you think you need to win.

I think it's 2 or 2 and 3.

He's made an absured amount of money already. He knows he's getting a monster contract anywhere he goes. I think he desperately wants a Cup, and isn't convinced that the Oilers are built well enough to do it.

[Hooking]

Posturing.

Nobody should expect him to say "Oh I want to leave" or "Oh I am going to stay." Obviously.

However you usually see "I would love to stay here, this is where I want to be. This is a great team with a great city and great fanbase. I love it here" - Pujols, Pietrangelo, Backes.... etc.


The fact that he is not acting like that, well it has already been said here but I agree - he is putting EDM on notice.



What would be hilarious is if he signs with FLA and they go the finals next season, play EDM and EDM wins.

[dhsux]

Posturing.

Nobody should expect him to say "Oh I want to leave" or "Oh I am going to stay." Obviously.

However you usually see "I would love to stay here, this is where I want to be. This is a great team with a great city and great fanbase. I love it here" - Pujols, Pietrangelo, Backes.... etc.


The fact that he is not acting like that, well it has already been said here but I agree - he is putting EDM on notice.



What would be hilarious is if he signs with FLA and they go the finals next season, play EDM and EDM wins.

Backes was the only one you mentioned who had sincere comments like that, imo.

[Hooking]

Posturing.

Nobody should expect him to say "Oh I want to leave" or "Oh I am going to stay." Obviously.

However you usually see "I would love to stay here, this is where I want to be. This is a great team with a great city and great fanbase. I love it here" - Pujols, Pietrangelo, Backes.... etc.


The fact that he is not acting like that, well it has already been said here but I agree - he is putting EDM on notice.



What would be hilarious is if he signs with FLA and they go the finals next season, play EDM and EDM wins.

Backes was the only one you mentioned who had sincere comments like that, imo.

You may be right about the sincerity but it's just what you say when you are that high profile guy who is about to become an FA. Ohtani, Harper... etc. etc. list goes on and on and on about all sports stars.

So just the fact that its not like that here basically tells me he is gone from EDM. I will be very surprised if he stays.