The hockey world is holding its breath as the Connor McDavid contract saga drags on in Edmonton. With every passing day, speculation intensifies: will the Oilers’ superstar captain finally commit his future to the team, or is something unexpected brewing behind the scenes?

For months, fans and analysts alike have braced for the announcement of a blockbuster deal—one that would surely cement McDavid as the NHL’s highest-paid player.

Yet, as the offseason unfolds, the silence is deafening, and the questions are piling up.

Now, a new twist has emerged, courtesy of respected insider Elliotte Friedman. His latest comments have sent shockwaves through the hockey community, hinting that whatever happens next might defy every prediction made so far.

Could McDavid’s next contract really be different from what everyone expects? What’s driving the delay, and what does it mean for the future of the Edmonton Oilers?

As the preseason approaches, the anticipation is reaching a fever pitch. Is McDavid about to make a move that will stun the league, or is Edmonton quietly preparing for a new era of dominance? The answer could reshape the NHL landscape—and you won’t want to miss the details behind this unfolding drama.

Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers.

Photo credit: Daily Faceoff

Connor McDavid is still yet to sign a new deal in Edmonton, and now, Elliotte Friedman has revealed that if he does, it will surprise NHL fans.

Coming into this off-season, many expected to see Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid ink a new deal with the team, but to this point, the saga remains ongoing, with no deal coming anytime soon.

That’s despite predictions from many sources that a deal will get done before pre-season, and with McDavid focused on the new season, recent comments suggest that nothing may get done in the near future either.

Elliotte Friedman makes surprise prediction on McDavid contract

When a deal eventually does get done like most still expect, it’s likely going to be a short-term deal, with the expectation around the NHL being that he’s going to be among the highest paid players in the NHL by AAV.

However, Elliotte Friedman’s latest prediction is contrary to that thought, as he noted on the 32 Thoughts Podcast that McDavid’s AAV on his incoming deal may be lower than many expect.

“If McDavid signs in Edmonton, if he does, it’s going to be for a lower number than we all expect, I think it’s going to surprise people where it could end up.”

Friedman doesn’t give a number however, but he notes that this deal may end up surprising many people, and given that McDavid currently earns $12.5 million a season, this deal could come in at any number.

Ultimately, McDavid believes his best shot to win a Stanley Cup is in Edmonton, meaning that he’s likely to ink a new deal at some point, and as of right now, it could come in at anywhere from $10 million to $16 million a season.