Connor McDavid Says Nobody Has 'Crystal Ball' About Oilers Future amid Contract Rumors

Heading into the final season of his current contract with the Edmonton Oilers, Connor McDavid isn't interested in predicting what his future holds.

In an interview with TSN's Ryan Rishaug, McDavid said his confidence in the Oilers has "never been higher" going into the 2025-26 season before adding that "nobody has a crystal ball" when addressing where his mindset is at right now:

"My confidence in this team this year has never been higher. That's what I can say about that. Listen, does anyone have a crystal ball and know what two years, three years, four years, five or whatever [will look like]? Nobody has a crystal ball. Nobody knows what that's going to look like. The belief is not the issue – not that there is an issue. It's just that we're working through it and we're working through it together. I think Jax [Jeff Jackson] said we're trying to find a razor's edge and part of that's true. We're trying to find a scenario that works for everybody in terms of my family, my family's security, a deal that makes sense for the team to continue to have success. My belief in this season and the players this year has never been higher."

McDavid, who is owed $12.5 million in 2025-26, has been very careful about how he is approaching things entering a contract year. He told reporters last month he wants to take his time and "go through everything" before making any decisions, but his intention is to win a Stanley Cup with the Oilers.

The Oilers, understandably, are giving McDavid all of the space he needs to avoid feeling like they are pressuring him.

Edmonton general manager Stan Bowman told The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun that McDavid has "earned the right to handle this the way he feels right to handle it" and they "can just support him in that process."

Bowman added that the Oilers front office, including himself and president of hockey operations Jeff Jackson, have maintained regular contact with McDavid and his agent, Judd Moldaver.

The Oilers have been so close to the top of the mountain in each of the past two years before losing in the Stanley Cup Final to the Florida Panthers both times. They forced a Game 7 in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final after falling into a 3-0 series deficit, but the Panthers rebounded with a 2-1 win in the decisive game.

Leon Draisaitl, who is entering the first season of his eight-year, $112 million deal signed in September 2024, has said he hopes to play alongside McDavid "as long as possible."

Drafted No. 1 overall by the Oilers in 2015, McDavid has become arguably the best player in the NHL over the past decade. He has scored at least 100 points nine times in the past 10 seasons and has won the Hart Trophy three times.

The Oilers have made the playoffs seven times since the 2016-17 season after a 10-year postseason drought. They have reached the conference finals three times in the past four years, including back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances in 2024 and 2025.