One of the greatest hockey players right now, Connor McDavid already has fans speculating on the nature of his next contract. Though McDavid has two years left on his present contract with the Edmonton Oilers, NHL experts have begun to speculate on next steps. On The Chris Johnston Show, reporter Chris Johnston made a strong comment about what kind of deal McDavid could choose and it has people talking.
Connor McDavid could sign a short-term contract after current Oilers deal ends in 2026
On Monday, June 24, 2025, hockey reporter Chris Johnston spoke about Connor McDavid’s future on The Chris Johnston Show, a popular NHL podcast. Johnston gave a very clear opinion on what kind of contract the Edmonton Oilers captain might want once his current one ends in July 2026.“I think it’s certainly going to be on the shorter end than the longer end,” Johnston said. “That, to me, is pretty much a certainty.”McDavid, now 28 years old, signed his current eight-year contract in 2017. That deal made him one of the highest-paid players in the league. But Johnston believes McDavid’s next contract may not be as long as the first. Instead of signing for another long stretch, he might choose a shorter deal to keep his options open.
Chris Johnston explains why Connor McDavid might avoid a long NHL contract
Chris Johnston didn’t just make a guess — he explained why a shorter deal makes sense for McDavid. Speaking on his show, Johnston said that the league is changing, and star players now like having more control over their futures.“McDavid is smart,” Johnston said. “He knows that if he stays healthy and keeps playing the way he is, he can write his own ticket.”McDavid might either re-sign for more money in a few years or pick a new team should he ever want a different challenge if he signs a short deal. McDavid’s agreement expires following the 2025–26 NHL season; should Johnston be right, we may never see another long-term contract like the one he signed in 2017. Also Read: NHL Trade Rumors: Insider Drops Explosive Claim Dallas Stars May Dump Jason Robertson If Mitch Marner Agrees To DealFor the time being, followers in Edmonton and across the NHL will be watching very carefully. More details on this will probably come closer to July 1, 2026, when free agency formally starts.
