Connor McDavid was in Calgary on Wednesday along with Sidney Crosby and Sam Reinhart to talk about Hockey Canada and the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games, and naturally he was asked about his pending free agency. His answer is something that should allow New York Rangers fans to remain hopeful, even though most players of his caliber don't test the free agent market.
"Take my time and go through everything. I have every intention to win in Edmonton."
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 27, 2025
Connor McDavid discusses his contract situation with the Oilers. pic.twitter.com/jidhyCkRUg
McDavid stated that he has every intention to win in Edmonton, but also added that there's no guarantee he will sign before the start of the 2025-26 season. That keeps the door open, ever so slightly, that McDavid will test free agency. Because in that context he also added that all options are on the table, and he doesn't have a preference either way.
The lack of 100 percent commitment is enough to allow Rangers fans to keep their hope of potential signing McDavid alive. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet had some thoughts on McDavid's comments, and what he explained is also something that Rangers fans would be happy to hear.
"McDavid must be convinced the Oilers will continue to be a serious Stanley Cup contender. Any team with he and Leon Draisaitl are high on the list of challengers. But it takes a village, and he wants to see a strong foundation for years to come. The Oilers don’t see it differently, and everything they’ve done over the past few years is about winning. But, until McDavid signs, there’s something imperfect in his eyes, whether effective youth or strong enough goaltending or something else."
One major thing the Rangers have going for them is Igor Shesterkin, an elite netminder with many good years left to give. They also have Adam Fox, an elite NHL defender with a Norris Trophy under his belt. They added Vladislav Gavrikov in free agency to improve the defense too, and the addition of two-time Stanley Cup winning coach Mike Sullivan is also important to keep in mind. The fact that Edmonton has lost in back to back Cup Finals is also important, because with this year's group not all that better, McDavid could be contemplating if he's gone as far as he can go with the Oilers.
McDavid wants to win more than anything else, and if he were to ultimately sign with the Rangers, they'd financially be in a position to continue improving even after adding his cap hit. Next summer Artemi Panarin, Jonathan Quick, Jonny Brodzinski, and Carson Soucy will be UFAs, and Braden Schneider will be an RFA. Without those players on the books, the Rangers are expected to have $30,233,333 in cap space, and that's a good position to be in.
For all we know, McDavid could sign an extension days before the season, and Blueshirts fans will have their dreams go up in smoke. But it is still August, and for now, fans can continue to dream on.