GOOD NEWS: Connor McDavid Signs Six-Year Extension with Edmonton Oilers, Vows to Deliver Stanley Cup
Edmonton, Alberta – July 4, 2025 — In a decision that sent waves of excitement across the hockey world, Edmonton Oilers captain and generational talent Connor McDavid has officially signed a six-year contract extension that will keep him in Oil Country until the end of the 2031 season. The deal is reportedly worth $8.87 million per year, a number symbolic of his iconic jersey number 97, signifying loyalty and his deep commitment to the franchise.
The announcement came during a packed press conference at Rogers Place, where Oilers General Manager Ken Holland and team executives praised McDavid’s leadership and contributions to the franchise. The 28-year-old superstar, widely regarded as the best player in the NHL, took the podium to express gratitude to fans, the organization, and his teammates.
“This is home,” McDavid said with visible emotion. “From the moment I was drafted by Edmonton, the city and its people welcomed me with open arms. I’ve grown as a player and as a person here. I’m not done yet. We’ve got unfinished business — and I’m staying to deliver the Stanley Cup to this city.”
A Legacy in the Making
Since being drafted first overall in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, McDavid has dazzled fans with his blazing speed, pinpoint vision, and otherworldly skill set. In just under a decade, he has collected five Art Ross Trophies, three Hart Memorial Trophies, and has led the league in points multiple times. But despite personal accolades, one thing has eluded him — a Stanley Cup.
The Oilers have made playoff runs in recent years, including a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2022 and a fierce battle in the 2024 postseason, but the ultimate prize has remained just out of reach. This extension signals McDavid’s intent to change that narrative.
“Connor is not just the face of our franchise — he’s the heartbeat of it,” said GM Ken Holland. “He’s a once-in-a-generation player who makes everyone around him better. His decision to commit long-term is a statement of belief — in our direction, in his teammates, and in our fans.”
Loyalty Over Lucrative Offers
What makes this deal even more remarkable is that McDavid chose loyalty over financial magnitude. With the NHL’s salary cap rising and free agency looming in the next couple of years, many insiders expected McDavid to command a contract exceeding $13 or even $14 million annually — potentially with offers from other major-market franchises.
But the captain had other ideas.
“Winning here means everything,” McDavid emphasized. “This city deserves to see another Cup parade down Jasper Avenue. I didn’t want to chase dollars; I want to chase history — right here in Edmonton.”
This sentiment was echoed by teammate and close friend Leon Draisaitl, who called the extension “the best news the Oilers could ask for.”
“We’ve built something special here, and Connor’s decision shows he’s all in. So are we,” Draisaitl said.
Impact on the Franchise and Fanbase
McDavid’s decision to stay will reverberate across the NHL and bolster Edmonton’s long-term competitiveness. With a young core that includes Draisaitl, Evan Bouchard, Stuart Skinner, and rising stars from the Oilers’ AHL pipeline, the franchise is poised for sustained success.
For the fans — many of whom have lived through decades of post-Gretzky heartbreak — the extension represents a new era of hope.
“It’s like winning the lottery,” said longtime Oilers season ticket holder Sandra Greaves. “We’ve seen talent before, but Connor is something else. He brings belief every night. Now, knowing he’s staying, we believe in our future more than ever.”
Building Toward a Stanley Cup
The Oilers’ front office has already begun reshaping the roster around McDavid’s strengths. With promising off-season moves and continued development of young talents, expectations for the 2025–26 season are sky-high. Head Coach Kris Knoblauch stressed the importance of McDavid’s leadership in shaping a championship culture.
“Connor sets the tone in everything he does — on the ice, in the locker room, and in the community. His decision to stay is a rallying cry for our entire organization,” Knoblauch said.
More Than a Player
Beyond hockey, McDavid has been a pillar in the Edmonton community. Through his McDavid 9