The Edmonton Oilers were defeated in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final by the Florida Panthers. Connor McDavid and his teammates were dominated for much of the series, including the decisive Game 6. And the Panthers claimed their second straight Stanley Cup on home ice.
With this loss, Edmonton’s attention immediately turns to McDavid. He is eligible for a contract extension on July 1. If he does not sign a new deal, he becomes a free agent on July 1, 2026. And this would kickstart a massive bidding war in NHL Free Agency.
McDavid had a down season by his lofty standards in 2024-25. However, he still finished with 100 points. He has scored 100 or more points in all but two career seasons. The first was his injury-shortened rookie campaign. And the second was the COVID-suspended 2019-20 campaign.
McDavid spoke with the media for the first time since Game 6 on Thursday. Here, he offered his first remarks on his future with the Oilers. He is still processing everything, and as a result, he’s not looking to rush anything.
“It’s only been a couple of days since the season ended, I’m going to take some time to regroup,” McDavid said Thursday, via NHL.com’s Derek Van Diest. “I’m going to talk to my agent a little bit and family and all that, and make some decisions whenever that time comes. But there’s no rush on anything like that.”
Connor McDavid is Looking to Win a Stanley Cup
Jamie Squire/Getty ImagesEdmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid is trying to process another defeat in the Stanley Cup Final.
McDavid is expected to be the highest-paid player in the NHL once his next contract is signed. He is the most talented player in the league. And he is already on track to make the Hall of Fame by the time his career is said and done.
The financial aspect is going to be important to the Oilers captain. However, one also has to assume that winning a Stanley Cup is among his priorities. McDavid confirmed that being able to compete is extremely important, no matter where he signs.
“Winning would be at the top of the list,” McDavid said, via Van Diest. “Winning is the most important thing. If I feel there’s a good window to win here over and over again, then signing is no problem.”
Oilers Want McDavid to Stay Forever
Edmonton fans certainly want McDavid to remain with the team. The captain has led them to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals. This is the closest the franchise has been to a championship in 20 years. Losing McDavid at this point would certainly sting.
Of course, the fans aren’t the only ones who wish to see McDavid return. His star teammate Leon Draisaitl mentioned on Thursday that he hopes the captain never leaves.
“I haven’t really talked to Connor about it yet,” Draisaitl said Thursday, via Van Diest. “There will come a time where we talk about it, but there’s nothing I can tell you right now that you want to hear or need to hear. That’s his situation and he will do what’s best for him and his family.
“Do I want him here forever? Yes, of course, I think everybody does. But there’s not much I can give you there.”
The Oilers have work to do this summer. At the top of the list is getting McDavid to commit long-term. This is a situation fans should monitor over the summer as the 2025-26 season draws near.
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