Oilers Nation’s Jason Gregor has floated an unconventional—and unexpectedly strategic—idea for Connor McDavid’s next extension: a one-year contract at $14.6 million for the 2026‑27 season, followed by a three-year deal averaging about $17 million per annum starting in 2027‑28.
At a time when most insiders project a four- or eight-year pact, Gregor argues this unique one-year deal would benefit both player and team. Here's why.
McDavid is still under contract for the 2025-26 season at $12.5 million. If he signs for a single season after that, the short-term deal gives Edmonton additional cap flexibility ahead of a projected salary ceiling spike in 2027‑28.
The idea: win now, build a championship roster today, and lock in McDavid later when the cap allows a fuller return.
Gregor writes:
"There is nothing illegal about it, at least not in the existing CBA or new CBA. It’s like the current LTIR rule. It didn’t look great when teams activated a player with a $9.5m AAV just in time for the playoffs, where there was no salary cap, but it was allowed. And right now, there is nothing stopping the Oilers and McDavid from signing a one-year deal, and then signing a three-year extension in January of 2027."-
McDavid Would Eventually Make The Same, If Not More Money
Over four total years, that structure nets McDavid $16.4 million average annual value (AAV)—well within the range of current expectations—while giving the Oilers room to bring in or retain supporting pieces to help the team win this season and next.
Of course, this is a gamble by Edmonton.
McDavid wouldn’t be locked in long-term until January 2027. If things go sideways in 2025-26 and 2026-27, the lack of an extension will possibly give him an easy exit. As Gregor notes, it would require immense trust on both sides—McDavid trusting the team’s future direction, and Edmonton counting on the fact that McDavid has no intention of leaving.
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Some argue that regardless of the terms of an extension, McDavid has the leverage to determine his fate: ask out, and there's not much the Oilers can do. Having said that, perhaps these rare creative extensions—especially for star centers—can redefine how teams and players manage dollars in a rising cap environment.
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Elliotte Friedman reported on his most recent 32 Thoughts podcast, many players and agents are waiting, rather than sign contracts they may regret a year from now. The belief is that McDavid and Kirill Kaprizov (Minnesota Wild) will set the new financial ceiling. From there, everyone else can find the “sweet spot” in their contract dealings. For McDavid, this opportunity allows him to set a mark that he later resets.
Gregor’s proposal is interesting, but not out of the realm of possibility. The Oilers might not even want to discuss the option, and if they do, whether McDavid embraces it or not remains to be seen.