McDavid might enter Edmonton Oilers season without a contract: report
September has come around, and there is still no contract extension for Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid.
With training camp just 16 days away, many fans are growing anxious about the situation. Popular belief throughout the summer was that McDavid would eventually sign an extension before the new season amped up to avoid distractions, but new reporting seems to contradict that belief.
McDavid said that he was in no rush to get a deal done at last week’s Olympic camp in Calgary, and now TSN’s Ryan Rishaug is reporting that there is a real possibility the Oilers superstar could start the new season without a new contract.
“I believe not signing a deal before the start of the season is a real possibility. More real than perhaps thought by many at the end of the season,” Rishaug reported on Sunday afternoon.
“That said, I also believe that decision has not been made yet. He and his agent, Judd Moldaver, continue to weigh options, and it’s still possible he does get something done.”
Lots out there on McDavid right now, I’ll weigh in as well.
I believe not signing a deal before the start of the season is a real possibility. More real than perhaps thought by many at the end of the season. That’s why we’re hearing a lot about that option right now.
That…
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) August 31, 2025
This is a bit of concerning news for the Oilers, as it could indicate that McDavid may be unhappy with something. Edmonton CEO Jeff Jackson admitted earlier this summer that negotiations would be short, as the Oilers will basically be in a position to give McDavid anything he asks for.
The team appears to have been waiting for McDavid to come to the negotiating table after the superstar came off a very busy summer that included a long European vacation, attending Leon Draisaitl’s wedding in France, and then participating in the Olympic camp last week. There is still no indication of whether or not the two sides are now engaged in contract talks.
If McDavid doesn’t sign before the Oct. 8 season opener against the Calgary Flames, it will cause quite an uproar in the Alberta capital. The media will be constantly asking about the state of negotiations, and fan speculation will be out of control.
For a player who is so focused on winning a Stanley Cup, you’d think that McDavid would want to put an end to that frenzy before he starts playing games.
We will have to wait and see what he opts to do in the coming weeks.