DEAL ACCEPTED: Edmonton Oilers Superstar Connor McDavid Signs Historic 4-Year, $114 Million Contract Extension as New Franchise Captain and Strategic Leader
EDMONTON, AB — In a move that cements his status not only as the face of the Edmonton Oilers but also as one of the most iconic players in NHL history, Connor McDavid has officially signed a jaw-dropping four-year contract extension worth $114 million. The deal, finalized late Wednesday night, is the largest average annual value (AAV) contract in NHL history, carrying a staggering $28.5 million per year.
While McDavid was already under contract until 2026 under his current $100 million, eight-year deal signed in 2017, the Oilers have opted to extend their commitment to the 27-year-old phenom — both financially and symbolically — with a renewed contract that redefines leadership, loyalty, and legacy.
The announcement was made by Oilers General Manager Ken Holland in a press conference held at Rogers Place in Edmonton on Thursday morning. Standing alongside McDavid, Holland described the deal as “a monumental moment for the franchise,” and “a reflection of what Connor means not just to the team, but to the city of Edmonton, and the game of hockey itself.”
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A Historic Deal for a Historic Player
The $114 million extension is not just a testament to McDavid’s dominance on the ice — it’s a statement about where the Oilers are headed. With this deal, McDavid is now the highest-paid player in NHL history, surpassing the AAV of Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews ($13.25 million) and even eclipsing major earnings in other leagues when factoring in endorsements and incentives.
But McDavid, who won his third Hart Trophy in 2023 and has led the NHL in scoring multiple times, seemed unfazed by the financial details. “The money is obviously appreciated, but this is about much more than that,” he said during the press conference. “This is about legacy. It’s about finishing what we started here in Edmonton. I believe in this team, and I believe in this city.”
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Leadership on and Off the Ice
The new contract also comes with a symbolic shift in McDavid’s role. Although he has served as team captain since 2016, team executives confirmed that McDavid will now take on an expanded leadership role, functioning as a strategic liaison between management and players. In essence, McDavid is not just the captain — he is becoming a core part of the Oilers’ leadership infrastructure.
“Connor’s voice has always mattered,” said Holland. “Now, we’re formalizing that influence. He’s a leader in the locker room, on the bench, and now, in our strategic planning. We want him involved in shaping the future of this team.”
McDavid will participate in select management meetings, player development discussions, and even offseason recruitment efforts. This leadership role mirrors similar evolutions in the careers of other generational athletes, such as LeBron James in the NBA and Tom Brady in the NFL — both of whom took on roles that blurred the lines between player and executive.
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Commitment to Edmonton and the Community
For the city of Edmonton, McDavid’s decision to extend his contract — rather than test free agency — is a powerful gesture of loyalty. “Edmonton is home,” he said simply. “This community has embraced me and my family from day one. We’ve been through highs and lows together, and I want to win here. That’s the goal.”
McDavid also announced that a portion of his new contract earnings will go toward expanding the Connor McDavid Foundation, which supports youth hockey programs, mental health initiatives, and underserved communities across Alberta.
“I know what the game of hockey gave me as a kid,” McDavid said. “If I can help the next generation feel even a fraction of that inspiration and opportunity, then I’m doing my part.”
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The Oilers’ Window Is Now
This move signals that the Oilers are firmly in win-now mode. With McDavid locked in through the prime of his career, the team is expected to aggressively pursue key free agents and build around its core, which also includes Leon Draisaitl, Evan Bouchard, and Stuart Skinner.
Analysts believe the deal sends a clear message across the league: Edmonton is no longer just a rebuilding franchise — it is a Stanley Cup contender, and McDavid is the centerpiece of that ambition.
NHL analyst Kevin Weekes praised the move on social media, tweeting: “Massive win for the Oilers. McDavid isn’t just staying — he’s doubling down. This is what a franchise cornerstone looks like.”
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Fans React With Euphoria
Unsurprisingly, the reaction from Oilers fans has been electric. Within minutes of the news breaking, social media lit up with celebration. Outside Rogers Place, fans gathered with jerseys, signs, and chants of “CON-NOR! CON-NOR!” as local radio stations declared July 4th “McDavid Day” in Edmonton.
“This is better than winning the lottery,” said lifelong fan Mandy Jefferson. “We’ve got the best player in the world — and he wants to stay here. What more could you ask for?”
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Looking Ahead
With McDavid’s future secured, all eyes now turn toward the upcoming season. The Oilers, who made it to the Western Conference Finals in 2022 and were a top contender in 2024, are expected to push even harder for the elusive Stanley Cup. And with McDavid at the helm — faster, stronger, and more determined than ever — the path forward looks promising.
As the press conference concluded, McDavid summed it up best:
“I’m here to finish the job. I’m here to win. Let’s bring the Cup back to Edmonton — where it belongs.”
And with that, a new era officially begins.