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

[Voight]

If he does stay, I dont believe it'll be for max term (unless they win the cup this year). I think he might give them another 3 or 4 years, so if they can't seal the deal then he can still win one while hes on top of his game.

 

[Fatass]

Mcdavid legacy would improve if he left for Toronto and won a cup

That’s true. The Leafs have been perennial playoff losers. If he led them to the Cup, that would cement his legacy of greatness.

 

[n8]

I'd be surprised if he doesn't sign with the Leafs in 2026

McDavid: Winning 'all that matters to me at this point in my career'

 

[Chicago1948]

McDavid will sign for $17mm minimum for 8 with the Oil or 7 with someone else. Unless of course he has the same agent as Drai who totally misread the revenue structure of the NHL.

 

[NVious]

He'll look great with Kuch on his wing in Tampa.

If Kuch wants to play with him he can always sign in Toronto when he #ComesHome

 

[The Shadow]

If he did go to Toronto it would crash this website and people would be going insane

 

[elmaco]

If he did go to Toronto it would crash this website and people would be going insane

Mcdavid matthews crosby tavares one two three four punch

 

[gritdash60]

It’s only my opinion, but McDavid doesn’t seem like a guy who would “chase the Cup”. He definitely wants it, but understands that winning with the Oilers has more impact on his legacy of greatness than going to another club and that is already a winner.

McDavid, Q.Hughes or any player of that stature needs to be reinfored by the GM.

 

[robertocarlos]

McDavid should take the best offer, which will be 20% of the cap from Toronto.

 

[DingerMcSlapshot]

In Sports no. In the NHL maybe. He will be almost 30. Doubt he gets 7 or 8 years at close to 20M a year. Whoever gives him something like that regrets it shortly.

 

[Iggys Dome]

I think NY or Detroit will be the front runners for him. Does Toronto even have the cap space to get him next off season?

 

[29Potvin]

I think NY or Detroit will be the front runners for him. Does Toronto even have the cap space to get him next off season?

Depends if we sign Mitch and JT

 

[Matty Sundin]

In a scenario where Oilers have a disappointing and early playoff exit and he shows no interest in re signing, he’ll be traded before he hits free agency to a team of chis choosing probably. I personally think he’s gonna stay with the Oilers though.

 

[TheLegend27]

It’s imperative that the Oilers make deep runs this playoffs and 2026 as well. I hope that McDavid wants to win in Edmonton, but unfortunately the management hasn’t given him any reason to stay. Conceding 12 goals in two games to the kings is unserious stuff. He probably waits until the 2026 playoffs are over before deciding to sign or not.

 

[Kuz]

Oilers continuing to do bad moves makes it hard to see why he would stay.

Gave away a top 4 defenceman and a 60+ point winger to the Blues and instead paid Skinner and Arvidsson. Biggest problem is mostly their not able to find a decent goalie.

Even tough goalie isnt the only problem for the Oilers. They also let Kings get way to much big chances.

Moneypuck had expected goals 4,63 for the Kings and 2,32 for the Oilers in the first match and 3,34 to 1,7 in the second match. So nearly doubled in both matches.

You need elite goaltending to win games being doubled up in expected goals and the Oilers dont have an elite goalie so they need the team to be better than their opponent on the ice and so far they have not.

 

[lanceuppercut75]

If Marner walks as a UFA, Leafs should replace him with somebody cheaper ($6m to $7m cap hit) and do whatever they can to get Tavares to sign a 1 year deal. Even if you gotta give the guy a $9m cap hit... if that's what it takes to get Tavares on a 1 year deal, you do it. Then you replace Tavares with McDavid in summer 2026 if McDavid actually hits free agency.

2026 OCTOBER

McMann(extended) - McDavid - Nylander
Knies - Matthews - ($6-7m Marner replacement)
Cowan - Holmberg - Robertson
( some 4th line, maybe with Kampf at 4C )

McCabe - Tanev
Rielly - Carlo
Benoit - Ekman-Larsson

Woll
Hildeby

 

[bringbacktheskate604]

It’s imperative that the Oilers make deep runs this playoffs and 2026 as well. I hope that McDavid wants to win in Edmonton, but unfortunately the management hasn’t given him any reason to stay. Conceding 12 goals in two games to the kings is unserious stuff. He probably waits until the 2026 playoffs are over before deciding to sign or not.

I highly doubt the oilers entertain going into the 26 playoffs with him not re-signed.
I mean that could be franchise altering if he walked for nothing, when the oilers flame out in five against the kings, the team needs to take a long hard look at things.
It's been 10 years and they've won nothing, they have the worst prospect pool in hockey and are the oldest team in hockey.
Keeping him and Bouchard not only will cost a ton but gives them nothing to trade to plug numerous holes and no cap space.

Maybe it's time to cut bait and trade him to at least get two-three very good players and multiple picks.

 

[The don godfather]

Once Oilers are toast this year they should trade McDavid at summer draft for a boatload. Holding onto him without a extension absolute stupidity.

 

[Miro4Norris]

He won’t be getting carried by Draisaitl in any other team so the answer is no

 

[FriendlyGhost92]

They had four #1 picks in 6 years and two of the Top 5 players in the world.

If you can't win with that, you deserve to have McDavid leave.

 

[Iggys Dome]

If he re-signs in Edmonton he needs to be examined for CTE.

 

[FerrisRox]

I'd be surprised if he doesn't sign with the Leafs in 2026

Imagine leaving the team that drafted you because you want to win a Stanley Cup and the team you chose to go to in order to win the Cup is ... Toronto.

That's like someone who has always dreamed of travelling in Europe booking a month long trip to Oshawa, Ontario.

 

[Kshahdoo]

Here's that 2C Montreal fans longing for.

 

[Gilles Bilodeau]

Boston Bruins have 26 million in cap space. They will tank the 25-26 season and then sign McDavid.

 

[Gilles Bilodeau]

He won’t be getting carried by Draisaitl in any other team so the answer is no

He will play with David Pastrnak in Boston