Elliotte Friedman Shares Insight on Connor McDavid’s Future with Oilers…
After the disappointment of losing Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers bounced back by securing Leon Draisaitl with an impressive eight-year, $112 million contract extension.
Now, their attention will turn toward extending the contract of their franchise star, Connor McDavid, who becomes eligible for a new deal in July 2025.
On the September 6 episode of the “32 Thoughts” podcast, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman shared thoughts on how Draisaitl’s signing could influence McDavid’s future with the Oilers. Friedman suggested that Draisaitl’s contract strengthens the likelihood that McDavid will follow with a long-term deal of his own.
With two years remaining on McDavid’s current contract, which carries a $12.5 million annual cap hit, Edmonton is expected to offer a substantial extension. This new contract could make McDavid the highest-paid player in the NHL, surpassing Draisaitl’s recent $14 million per year agreement.
Friedman also emphasized that Draisaitl’s decision to stay reflects the Oilers’ commitment to maintaining their core. He believes both Draisaitl and McDavid are likely to remain with the team for the long term, suggesting that Draisaitl’s negotiations also factored in McDavid’s future.
“I believe McDavid is staying,” Friedman said. “Leon Draisaitl certainly knows what Connor McDavid is thinking. This wasn’t just Draisaitl’s negotiation; it involved both of them.”
