Speculation: Elephant in the room: Is McDavid going to be the biggest UFA ever in 2026?

[Soundwave]

Draisaitl's fiance is best buds with McDavid's wife too, that probably doesn't hurt. They're like brothers at this point, Drai's fiance was in the McDavid family suite at the game sitting next to McDavid's wife and parents last night for the 1000 point ceremony thing. Nurse and McDavid are extremely close too.

 

[Edgelord]

It would be nuts if he made it to UFA, I can only assume he would never just play it out without telling the team his intentions.

 

[Captain Controversy]

Wherever he goes, he is getting 20.

Just like he got 15 million when out of his entry level deal right ? Lol

 

[Kegs]

Future bruins legend

 

[Cup or Bust]

Nothing is ever a 100% but I highly doubt McDavid will not re-sign with the Oilers. If he decided not to extend with the Oilers I would trade him this offseason. The idea of him not re-signing is likely just wishful thinking.

 

[57special]

If EDM doesn't have success this year then he might wait till the end of next season before/if he re-signs. He will get loads of money wherever he goes. That's not an issue. Being on a team that has a good chance to win a Cup would be the issue, whether it's EDM, or some other place.

 

[Z-Diddy]

stinks cause it hurts the sport inherently, would be a Gretzky type alternate universe in a big market could change the entire landscape again, a handful of teams don't exist without the impact Wayne's trade had, but I digress he'll likely remain loyal unfortunately

 

[PuckG]

As an Oiler fan, the lead up to his potential re-signing (or not) has not been worrisome whatsoever, irrespective of what some rival fans want to speculate and call “the elephant in the room.”

A lot of of things are favourable for the Oilers between Drai resigning, being as good as any other team in terms of cup contention and the rapport already built in Edmonton.

In the end, whether he resigns or breaks our heart, at least the lead up has been relatively stress free thus far.

 

[Oak]

Toronto will let Tavares walk, sign somebody on a 1 year deal and then make a huge run at McDavid.

He’s coming home.

Too much ego and not enough defense on the Leafs for him to go there and win.

 

[Unspecified]

If he and Drai are content with never winning the cup then stay with Edmonton

 

[TheNumber4]

What he thinks? LOL, they signed Nurse to that idiotic contract literally because he is friends with McDavid and he wanted him on the team. The last thing they should do is what he thinks.

No. That’s not why they signed nurse to that contract. These fairty tales that run around Leaf’s land are funny though.

Always thought Draisaitl had a better chance of leaving. Since he signed 8 years I think McDavid will do the same.

I saw no chance of Drai leaving. People really have no idea who and what McDrai are all about.

 

[These Are The Days]

He's coming to Tampa baybay!!!

 

[Kelly]

No. I hate to say it but he will re-sign in Edmonton. Doesn't seem like the person to jump ship.

 

[McShogun99]

I'm guessing he signs in Edmonton for 16 x 8. How many teams can fit him in at 16+ without losing key pieces if he went UFA in 2026?

Edmonton already has the team structured around Mcdavid and Draisaitl's deals and only need to add 3.5 million in cap to resign him at 16. Even though the Oilers are slow starters they've been one of the best teams in the league the last few seasons and seem to be a few pieces away from winning a Cup. It would probably take a massive collapse this season to make him consider not extending in the summer of 2025.

 

[Bouboumaster]

Slafkovsky - McDavid - Caufield
Demidov - Suzuki - Laine

 

[Aoko]

He'll get the max anywhere in the NHL, so he chooses what happens. Oilers just better hope they have another strong playoffs this year.

 

[Frenzy31]

I think he joins the Blues. The offer sheets were all part of Armstrong’s Master plan. McDavid told Broberg and Holloway he would be going there so they preemptively jumped ship.

 

[SeanMoneyHands]

McDavid and Draisaitl leaving in the same year? Niiiiiice.

 

[TheNumber4]

Slafkovsky - McDavid - Caufield
Demidov - Suzuki - Laine

Bure-McDavid-Hull
Lemiuex-Gretzky-Messier

 

[Bank Shot]

No. He's only 6'1".

Chara was the biggest UFA ever.

 

[glenngineer]

This is meant more as a joke than anything but I'd love to see Nashville sign him for two reasons.

To finally have a true 1C and to see if his production goes off the rails like every other player we sign. It's more about the second half of the statement more than anything.

I know this never happens but it would be interesting to see what would happen.

 

[TooManyHumans]

All of his stuff is in Edmonton. He's not going anywhere.

 

[Pablo El Perro]

If he doesn't re-sign with the Oilers, yes.

 

[Legion34]

Also. Gretzky was a ufa

 

[KevinRedkey]

If he and Drai are content with never winning the cup then stay with Edmonton

What team will have 14+ in cap space to sign him, and is better than Edmonton?