McDavid: Extension gives Oilers' core 'chance to play this out'

Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid feels the two-year contract extension he signed Monday gives the team a chance to finish what they've started.

"It gives the core guys that have been here a really long time, and guys in this room that have come here to be a part of something special, a chance to play that out," McDavid told reporters Tuesday. "And that's important to me, obviously. There's no secret that with a team that pushes for it every year like we have for the last number of years, we've given up first-round picks and prospects and all that stuff. Not a ton of young guys. I think two years gives us a chance to play this out, gives us every opportunity to build something here."

The Oilers have come tantalizingly close to the mountain top, losing back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals to the Florida Panthers.

McDavid signed at a surprisingly team-friendly $12.5-million cap hit, opting not to pursue a raise from the average annual salary on his current deal.

"I guess it's a unique situation. We weren't gonna sign a long-term deal, so two years at that number makes a lot of sense," McDavid explained. "Gives us a chance to extend our window here in Edmonton. (Our dog) Lenny's not gonna go hungry with that money. We'll be fine. It's about winning, and it's always what I've preached. So, I think this deal gives both sides what they're looking for."

McDavid noted that questions around his undetermined future would have been difficult to handle for everyone around the team had he remained without an extension during the campaign.

"I think, obviously, not wanting to be a distraction plays a factor," McDavid said. "It's a lot for guys to have to come in here and answer questions for other guys. The coach to get asked about it, the GM to get asked about it every day. Nice to get it out of the way, nobody's gotta talk about it anymore. That obviously plays a factor, and then, myself not wanting to answer the question, and giving the Oilers some clarity on what's gonna go down."

The pressure the Oilers may feel by only having McDavid locked up for two additional seasons is a bonus to the best player in the game.

"Everyone understands the situation this room and this organization is in. We want to win. Top to the bottom. If (my contract) lends urgency, that's a good byproduct, I guess."

The Oilers open the 2025-26 campaign at home Wednesday in the Battle of Alberta against the Calgary Flames.