Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers may be part of a blockbuster trade in the 2027 off-season. By July 1, 2027, McDavid will have a year remaining on his contract, and he can sign an extension on that date.
What's at stake for Connor McDavid?
The Oilers' performance in the 2027-28 season will be crucial in determining McDavid's decision. If the team fails to rebound from their disappointing 2025-26 campaign, McDavid may opt to wait before signing an extension.
McDavid and Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs are both set to become unrestricted free agents on July 1, 2028. However, they could seek an immediate change of scenery and request a trade, using their no-movement clauses to determine their potential destinations.
How do the Oilers and Maple Leafs fit in?
The Oilers and Maple Leafs face a difficult decision regarding their superstars. They can let McDavid and Matthews play out their final season and risk losing them to free agency or attempt to move them by the 2028 trade deadline.
The Ottawa Senators and Columbus Blue Jackets may also face similar situations with their own superstars, Brady Tkachuk and Zach Werenski. Both teams have struggled to make meaningful improvements, and another disappointing season could lead to their stars rethinking their futures.
What comes next for Connor McDavid?
The 2027 off-season could be filled with blockbuster trades, and McDavid's situation will be closely watched. If the Oilers fail to improve, McDavid may decide that his chances of winning the Stanley Cup lie elsewhere, and he could become a key player in the trade market.
The Winnipeg Jets' goaltender Connor Hellebuyck may also be part of the trade talks, although he is signed through 2030-31 with an average annual value of $8.5 million. Hellebuyck could follow the example of Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin and request a trade, using his no-movement clause to determine his landing spots.
The next season will be important for the Oilers, Maple Leafs, Senators, and Blue Jackets, as they try to keep their superstars happy and willing to sign extensions. If they fail, the 2027 off-season could see a significant shake-up in the NHL landscape, with McDavid and other top players potentially on the move.