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Oilers CEO says ‘there was no trade offer’ for McDavid during contract negotiation
Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid
Photo credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Tyler Kuehl
Oct 16, 2025, 11:00 EDTUpdated: Oct 16, 2025, 11:53 EDT
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While there was chaos and concern regarding whether Connor McDavid was going to re-sign with the Edmonton Oilers, there seemed to be little panic in the team’s front office.
Especially since their phones were allegedly quiet.
In an interview with Pierre LeBruin of The Athletic, Oilers CEO Jeff Jackson admitted that, while there was the chance that McDavid might be heading to free agency at the end of the 2025-26 season, no one reached out to the team inquiring about the superstar.
“I mean, I think there were lots of teams that were maybe looking at it and wondering, ‘What’s going to happen there?’” Jackson said. “But ultimately, there was no trade offer, and we weren’t thinking that at all.”
Instead of letting the saga draw out any longer than was necessary, McDavid signed a two-year contract extension to stay in Edmonton through the 2027-28 season. The deal matches the $12.5 million AAV he has on his current contract.
That might be surprising to some, as few would argue against No. 97 becoming the highest-paid player in the history of the NHL. Yet, Jackson says McDavid insisted on not getting a raise.
“Which was actually a surprise to us, but that’s so on-brand for Connor,” Jackson said.
The Oilers signing their captain for at least a few more years was a necessity in keeping the core together, especially since the team has been so close to reaching its ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup.
Jackson admits there was a sense of accomplishment in getting the deal done, but didn’t fret about the possibility of McDavid not re-signing.
“I mean, you’re always relieved when things that are that important are done, but I was also very confident we would get it done. It wasn’t just empty thoughts of getting it done. I really believed it was just a matter of him working through it. He came to the conclusion he came to.”
In his 10 years in the league, McDavid has been the face of the Oilers franchise and, seemingly, the NHL itself. The Richmond Hill, Ont. native has taken home the Hart Trophy as league MVP three times in his career, winning the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL’s leading scorer five times. He’s also won the Ted Lindsay Award on four occasions, as well as the Rocket Richard Trophy after scoring 64 goals in 2022-23. His 42 points during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs led to McDavid winning the Conn Smythe Trophy, despite the Oilers losing to the Florida Panthers in the final.

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