NHL Rumors: Oilers GM Bowman Feeling 'Encouraged' on Connor McDavid Extension

The biggest question hovering over the Edmonton Oilers for the rest of the summer will continue to be the status of extension talks with Connor McDavid.

The greatest player on earth is going to be entering the final year of his contract this coming season, and if opening night comes without a new deal in place, there'll be a lot of nervous energy around the team, but not in a good way.

However, in an appearance this week on Oilers Now, GM Stan Bowman told Bob Stauffer that he is feeling "encouraged" that he will be able to get a McDavid extension done, and soon.

"I don't have a timeline update, but I do expect to have some conversations with them soon and hopefully get that wrapped up."@EdmontonOilers General Manager Stan Bowman talks Connor McDavid extension with @Bob_Stauffer on Oilers Now.

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— Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer (@OilersNow) July 29, 2025

“I’ve had really good conversations with Judd since the season ended,” Bowman said. “Honestly, I’ve tried to give Connor his space, and I think that it’s important. A lot of this is respecting the athlete and their timeline. So, we haven’t had any of those types of detailed discussions yet, but we certainly will, and I think we’re very encouraged by all the conversations I’ve had to date.

When will a Connor McDavid extension get done?

"He's a huge part of everything we do here. I don't have a timeline update, but I do expect to have some conversations with them soon and hopefully get that wrapped up," said Bowman.

McDavid was asked about his intentions in the immediate aftermath of the Oilers' second consecutive Stanley Cup Finals loss to the Florida Panthers, and he said he's "not in a rush to make any decision," while adding that winning is his priority. "If I feel that there's a good window to win here, over and over again, then signing is no problem."

McDavid is entering the final season of his eight-year, $100 million contract at a $12.5 million AAV, and is, of course, due for a huge raise, with the quickly escalating salary cap.

This past year, he notched his 8th 100-point season, with 26 goals and 74 assists to land exactly on the century mark during the regular season, while tying for a Stanley Cup Playoffs-best 33 points, in 22 games.

Certainly, somehow re-signing McDavid to some kind of an extension is crucial for ensuring team—and city—morale heading into the 2025-26 season.