McDavid Signs Two-Year Bridge Extension with Oilers

Connor McDavid signed a two-year, $25 million extension (US$12.5M AAV) with the Edmonton Oilers through the 2027–28 season; the deal is structured with signing bonuses and ended speculation about his immediate future. GM Stan Bowman said the short, team-friendly contract was McDavid’s choice and was intended to buy the Oilers roster flexibility to pursue upgrades now. The club promptly used that flexibility to sign defenseman Jake Walman to a seven-year, $49 million contract. Despite retaining McDavid and adding Walman, Edmonton still faces key questions about goaltending, depth and McDavid’s long-term linemates that will determine whether it can convert back-to-back Final appearances into a championship. Teammates including Leon Draisaitl publicly celebrated the extensions, and analysts characterize the next two seasons as a “do-or-die” window that will shape McDavid’s next contract if the Oilers do not deliver.