The Edmonton Oilers brass are in Ontario to begin conversations with Judd Moldaver, the agent of superstar Connor McDavid, about a new contract.
TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reported Tuesday night of the travels, which have seen general manager Stan Bowman and CEO of Hockey Operations Jeff Jackson — McDavid’s former agent — heading east, adding talks are surrounding “broader discussions about the organization and direction” as the starting point of contract negotiations.
Contract talks are expected to extend “well past” July 1st, the first day McDavid is eligible to sign an extension, Rishaug added.
McDavid was in headlines late last week after speaking with Edmonton’s media for the final time in the 2024-25 season, days after the Oilers were eliminated in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final by the Florida Panthers.
The Oilers captain and face of the franchise seemingly put himself in the limelight with comments some took as his leaving the door open to leaving the team.
“We’re all in this together, trying to get it over that finish line. With that being said, ultimately, we still need to do what’s best for me and my family.”
Bowman said last week McDavid has earned the right for negotiations to begin when he’s ready.
“Connor’s the best player in the league, the most important player in the league,” said Bowman. “He’s our captain, he’s our leader, so certainly, he’s the number one priority.
“I think also listening to Connor’s take on things, he’s earned the right for us to be respectful of his timing. Certainly, we’re eager to meet with him whenever he wants, but we also understand he just went through a really rough ending to the season. So, timing-wise, Connor’s going to drive that process, but there’s no question he’s a pivotal player on our team and not just what he does on the ice, but his leadership.
“I’ve had a chance to work with him now this year and have just been so impressed with things you guys probably don’t see — how good of a teammate he is. He’s incredibly important to our group, and whenever he’s ready, we’re going to dive into that.”
Moldaver represents other superstars like Auston Matthews, who has signed two extensions with the Toronto Maple Leafs — one for five years and another for four — leading to industry speculation about if McDavid could follow the same route.
Drafted by the Oilers first overall in the 2015 draft, McDavid, 28, has racked up 361 goals and 1,082 points across 10 seasons and 712 regular season games, adding another 44 goals and 150 points in 96 games. Entering the final year of an eight-year, $12.5-million AAV contract, he’ll be due for a raise that will make him the highest paid player in the NHL.
