Insider Suggests McDavid, Matthews Futures Could Soon Come to a Head

Very rarely are players the caliber of Connor McDavid or Auston Matthews ever even thought of possibly becoming available, but in the current NHL landscape, there is a world where both could be on the move sooner rather than later.

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McDavid’s future all depends on how the 2026–27 season goes for the Edmonton Oilers, while Matthews’ situation is even more pressing, with no commitment to the Toronto Maple Leafs for this upcoming season, creating serious questions about a potential trade in the coming months.

Both of these superstar centers do have term remaining on their contracts; however, TSN insider Darren Dreger believes decisions will need to be made much sooner than that on both sides.

Dreger said:

“I think that’s why 100% it’s wide open having that conversation about Matthews, and maybe we have it more seriously about McDavid. I feel like with Matthews and McDavid, it’s pretty obvious, isn’t it? Both the Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers are on the clock. And it’s not a two-year—it’s a one-year. You can’t let them walk. You can’t with those guys,”

The 29-year-old McDavid’s two-year, $25 million extension signed with the Oilers back in October begins next season, while Matthews, 28, has two years remaining on the four-year, $53 million contract he signed to extend with the Maple Leafs in 2023. Both are eligible to hit free agency following the 2027–28 campaign.

The Future of Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews

We know how vocal McDavid has been in his displeasure with how things went in Edmonton this year, so it’s safe to say the pressure is on and time is ticking.

Meanwhile, you would think that winning the draft lottery—and potentially landing Matthews a new star winger in Gavin McKenna—would help Toronto’s chances of keeping him. That said, all reports have suggested it doesn’t change much, and that he still needs to see what John Chayka and Mats Sundin do this offseason.

Big-time movement around the NHL is often hyped up and rarely delivers, but whether it’s McDavid, Matthews, or even Brady Tkachuk or Jason Robertson, it feels like we may actually be nearing a point where everything breaks loose.

Next: Trade Pitch Would Form Jack Hughes-Auston Matthews Duo in New Jersey