Oilers GM Stan Bowman Makes Guarantee On Connor McDavid Contract

Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman is already setting the tone for one of the most anticipated contract negotiations in recent NHL history: a potential extension for Connor McDavid. 

Eligible to sign a new deal on July 1st, McDavid is expected to command a significant raise from his current $12.5 million cap hit. 

Speaking on Sportsnet’s After Hours, Bowman made it clear that keeping McDavid in Edmonton is the organization’s top priority. 

“He’s the most important player we have here, so that is priority number one,” Bowman said. “Now’s probably not the time to be talking about that, but we all know Connor is going to be here and that we’re going to make it happen.”

Edmonton Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman joined @ScottOake and @LouDeBrusk on After Hours last night to discuss all things Oilers, including touching on a potential Connor McDavid contract extension this summer. 👀 pic.twitter.com/9uiUbJ93vx

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 23, 2025

Bowman also expressed confidence in his working relationship with McDavid’s agent, Judd Moldaver, whom he’s known for years. “Jed and I will have to get going on that on time there, but I’m confident we will,” Bowman said with a smile. 

This close relationship is viewed as a major asset for Edmonton, especially considering Oilers president Jeff Jackson previously served as McDavid’s agent before passing the reins to Moldaver. 

While negotiations have yet to formally begin, Bowman’s comments suggest the front office is in sync with McDavid’s camp and ready to move when the time is right.

CONNOR MCDAVID HAS WON IT FOR CANADA 🇨🇦

CANADA HAS A NEW GOLDEN BOY 🏆 pic.twitter.com/H2Qkcl6jB9

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) February 21, 2025

With the NHL salary cap projected to rise to $104 million by the time McDavid’s new deal would begin in 2026-27, a contract valued at 15.72 percent of the cap—similar to his current one—would place his next salary around $16.35 million annually. 

However, if McDavid decides to aim for the league’s maximum allowable salary, he could earn $19.1 million next season and possibly more if he waits until 2026. 

Bowman didn’t hint at specific numbers, but the message was clear: the Oilers will do whatever it takes. “We all know Connor is going to be here,” he said. “And we’re going to make it happen.”

Photo Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images