Connor McDavid could become hockey's richest free agent next summer, but he won't rush an extension. He plans to win in Edmonton, take time with family and his team, and balance options as Edmonton reshapes after another Cup Final run. He enters the final year of an eight-year, $100 million deal and his 100-point season keeps him at the top of fantasy sheets, regardless of where he signs.

Leon Draisaitl pooled 33 playoff points with McDavid this past spring, underscoring their duo’s fantasy firepower. Edmonton’s offseason churn will test whether the core stays intact and how lines and PP units shift. For fantasy managers, the big question is whether McDavid stays in EDM long term, and how any cap moves impact surrounding Oilers stars in 2025-26.

Edmonton’s front office is eyeing two PTO options in Klim Kostin and Brett Leason, signaling a push for roster depth as Connor McDavid’s extension talk heats up. Kostin, a former Oiler, and Leason, a local Alberta product, could fill a winger slot if training camp opens with questions answered about McDavid’s future. Podkolzin remains a wild-card in Oilers’ plans, with a multi-year extension floated and cap-pressures weighed by young guns Isaac Howard and Matt Savoie, plus Andrew Mangiapane’s arrival. Rumors linger around McDavid, Eichel, and McTavish as front offices prepare for a busy summer of negotiations ahead of the 2025-26 season.

In this shifting landscape, fantasy managers should monitor how these moves pressurize Edmonton’s top-six, power play roles, and cap flexibility. Kostin and Leason could quietly become favorable depth options if they secure spots, while Podkolzin’s status could ripple through line combos and ice time in both regular-season and postseason rotations. The pipeline—Howard, Savoie, and Mangiapane—adds upside for opportunistic late-round picks and potential breakout candidates in dynasty formats.

Entering the 2025-26 season, the Edmonton Oilers have become the favorites to win the Stanley Cup, buoyed by the generational talents of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. After two consecutive finals losses to the Florida Panthers, the Oilers are listed with odds between +650 and +850, slightly surpassing their rivals. McDavid, who is eligible for a contract extension, remains a focal point of speculation, especially regarding his long-term commitment to the team following the recent playoff disappointments.

Edmonton's performance in recent years showcases an evolution into a postseason powerhouse, with consistent playoff appearances and deep runs. However, defensive depth and goaltending issues were exposed in their finals losses. The Oilers’ management, including new GM Stan Bowman, has made strategic roster moves, emphasizing balance between talent and cap flexibility while addressing the urgency to secure McDavid's future amidst rising stakes this season.