NHL legend Wayne Gretzky has addressed Connor McDavid’s NHL future at the start of the 2026-27 season, with the Edmonton Oilers captain entering the second-to-last year under contract with the franchise.
In Gretzky’s eyes, McDavid will remain with the Oilers for the long haul as questions continue about the superstar captain’s future.
Gretzky discussed McDavid’s outlook on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show” Wednesday, making it clear that he doesn’t expect the six-time Art Ross Trophy winner to leave Edmonton.
“I think he’s a mainstay in Edmonton,” Gretzky said. “He likes it there. The organization is a good organization. They’ve got a chance every year to win. That’s all he wants. I don’t see Connor leaving Edmonton.”
McDavid signed a two-year, $25 million extension with the Oilers last October. He chose to leave his $12.5 million annual cap hit unchanged from his previous contract despite an opportunity to command a hefty raise.
At the time, McDavid explained that the decision gave Edmonton’s core “a chance to play this out.”
“I think everybody understands the situation in this room and the situation this organization is in,” McDavid said. “We want to win. If it lends urgency, that’s a good byproduct.”
McDavid is eligible to sign another extension beginning July 1, 2027, leaving his long-term future open. Gretzky, however, doesn’t see the Oilers’ captain leaving the ship.
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McDavid led Edmonton to consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances in 2024 and 2025 before the Oilers exited the playoffs in the first round last season. He ranks third in NHL history with 1.54 points per game, trailing only Gretzky and Mario Lemieux.
“There’s always a stigma about winning a Stanley Cup,” Gretzky said. “I know him really well. Nobody wants to win a championship worse than he does. Hopefully his time will come. I know it’s not from a lack of effort or dedication or love of the sport.
“I hope one day he gets that opportunity to lift the Stanley Cup.”
McDavid opened this season with two assists in Edmonton’s loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday, with a rematch set for Thursday at 10 p.m. ET.
