Connor McDavid isn’t rattled by the possibility of a contract extension not being in place when the Oilers' season opens. He stresses professionalism and maturity within the group, signaling focus on winning now rather than leverage concerns. The rumor mill suggests a pre-season extension is uncertain, with McDavid weighing the team’s long-term staying power as much as term length. Ekholm’s view on a future Edmonton stay and Kuznetsov’s looming decision frame a broader cap-health conversation for top clubs. Carey Price remains a focal point for Montreal as contract optics loom.

Ekholm, in a final-year context, indicated he’s open to talks and values security for his family, while Kuznetsov eyes two possible destinations and signings that fit budgets, per the rumor circuit. The Canadiens’ cap situation complicates any Price maneuver, and not moving his contract would constrict Montreal’s options. Flames and Maple Leafs rumors also surface in surrounding chatter, underscoring a league-wide tension between immediate competitiveness and long-term financial health.

Connor McDavid’s contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers appears likely to be settled soon, with an announcement planned after Team Canada’s orientation camp (Aug 26–28) in Calgary and before Oilers captain skates and camp open in September. The buzz suggests a short-term pact—either two or four years—with an AAV in the neighborhood of $16 million to $17.5 million, effectively ruling out an eight-year deal this cycle. The timeline aligns McDavid with other extensions entertained in Oilers circles, including Mattias Ekholm, and even names like Vasily Podkolzin entering the same speculative orbit. Edmonton reportedly has more work to do in the coming 3–4 weeks to finalize the deal, a window in which cap considerations and roster planning will be tested. Stauffer’s late-July insinuations that extensions could land by Aug. 28 echo in the current chatter, making this summer one of the more consequential cap moves for both team and player in years. The Team Canada camp context — Olympic prep for 2026 in Italy — adds a layer of urgency for a clean, public contract, ensuring McDavid isn’t left with distractions when the season looms. The short-term path would keep McDavid’s elite production intact while preserving Oilers’ flexibility to shape the rest of the roster around him.

For fantasy managers, the upshot is clarity on McDavid’s near-term ceiling: a premium asset with a high floor who will be anchored by a manageable term rather than a marathon deal that limits team-building moves. The potential extension window could also influence Edmonton’s defense and supporting cast, given cap dynamics and the possibility of Ekholm’s deal in the same timeframe. Podkolzin’s name surfaces as a companion storyline in the “2 Mutts Hockey” chatter, signaling how top-end extensions can shape multiple rosters across the league. As Oilers brass navigate the next 3–4 weeks, every move will tilt both on-ice value and fantasy projections for the upcoming season, with McDavid’s AAV and term likely setting the tone for the league’s top-tier contracts.

In short, McDavid’s extension appears poised to be short-term and premium, with a late-August public reveal, and with Ekholm, Podkolzin, and others possibly factoring into the broader cap-ahead dialogue. The plan to announce before captain skates hints at a clean agenda: lock in McDavid’s immediate future, preserve Edmonton’s core, and keep room for strategic moves as the Oilers chase another deep run — all while fantasy managers recalibrate expectations around AAV, term, and surrounding talent.

The Edmonton Oilers are considering extending Mattias Ekholm's contract, a move that carries some risk given his age of 35. Ekholm has been a key player on the Oilers' blue line, serving as their top-pairing left-side defenseman. With multiple players entering the final year of their contracts, the Oilers face a dilemma; while extending Ekholm could provide stability, failing to do so may leave them vulnerable as they look to bolster their defense for the coming seasons.

Meanwhile, Max Pacioretty is in search of a new contract after a season marred by injuries yet capped off with a notable postseason performance. Several teams, including the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs, are potential suitors as they seek to strengthen their forward lines. The Canadiens are also mentioned as a familiar destination for Pacioretty, who has strong ties to the team.

Connor McDavid, fresh off another Stanley Cup Final appearance, has become the center of contract extension discussions for the Edmonton Oilers. With July 1 marking his eligibility for an extension, insiders predict negotiations will ramp up soon. NHL commentator Bob Stauffer anticipates a flurry of extensions by August 28, potentially covering McDavid along with teammates Mattias Ekholm, Jake Walman, and Vasily Podkolzin.

Stauffer, alongside fellow insider Frank Seravalli, confidently stated that McDavid is likely to re-sign with the Oilers, a move that hinges on the team's competitive aspirations. McDavid himself has expressed a willingness to remain if he sees a strong championship window. He is coming off an impressive season with over 100 points in just 67 games, further solidifying his status as a pivotal player for the Oilers.

The Stanley Cup Final showcased some impressive playoff beards, with players from the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers letting their facial hair flourish. Jonah Gadjovich of the Panthers humorously noted the state of his beard, while praising teammates who have improved since last year. Fans have embraced their players' beards, with some even creating fan groups based on their favorite players' distinct looks. Special mentions included Mattias Ekholm's Viking-inspired beard, recognized by dedicated fans, and Stuart Skinner's woolly goaltender beard that reflects his playoff journey.

As the competition heated up, some players utilized their beards for playful taunting, like Gadjovich during his encounter with Darnell Nurse. Other distinctions were made, like Jake Walman's grooming-ready beard, and the comedic nature of Anton Lundell's attempts at growing one. Ultimately, Sam Bennett of the Panthers won the coveted 'Beard of the Year' for his performance and impressive facial hair, which has become a symbol of his contributions to the Panthers' playoff run.