Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews shares his thoughts on Connor McDavid’s ‘modest’ $25 million contract extension

Auston Matthews shared his thoughts on Connor McDavid’s contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers. McDavid signed a two-year contract worth $25 million on Monday, with a cap hit of $12.5 million per season. The contract will keep him in Edmonton through the 2027-28 season, after which he will become an unrestricted free agent.

Matthews called the deal “modest” and spoke of McDavid’s focus on winning.

“It’s all about winning and preparing to have the best opportunity to do that,” Matthews told reporters after Tuesday’s practice (2:19).

The Toronto Maple Leafs captain emphasized that McDavid is committed to the game, like all the best players in the NHL.

“I have a lot of respect for him, and I’ve been fortunate to know him over the years, and I know that the time spent with him, you know, that’s the main thing he wants to do,” Matthews said. “That’s what everyone wants to do: win, and he’s as committed to it as anyone.”

Matthews also discussed the challenges of player contracts under the salary cap.

“Everyone’s situation is different,” Matthews said (2:58). “Every team’s situation is different. The ceiling is increasing. It’s hard to imagine what the landscape will look like, but in the end you always have to try to find a happy medium.”

McDavid had another good performance in the 2024-25 season with 26 goals and 74 assists for 100 points. He ranked sixth in points and fourth in assists in the league. McDavid added seven goals and 26 assists for 33 points in the playoffs, continuing to lead the Oilers’ offense.

Before the extension was announced, McDavid posted a message on

“Our journey here continues,” McDavid tweeted.

Previous comments from Connor McDavid on taking time before his contract extension

Connor McDavid said in August he was taking his time deciding on a new contract with the Edmonton Oilers. He wanted to focus on winning and avoid distractions for his team.

“I’m going to take my time to go over this with my family, my agent and everyone involved,” McDavid said via NHL.com. “We’re slowly getting there.”

The star center made it clear that all options were open and that they had no preferences. After signing the extension, he will be in Edmonton beyond the 2025-2026 campaign. The Oilers have lost twice to the Florida Panthers in the last two seasons, and McDavid is once again ready to go for his first Stanley Cup.