In what could be the biggest deal in modern NHL history, the Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly on the verge of finalizing a record-breaking $120 million deal to bring Edmonton Oilers’ captain and superstar Connor McDavid to Toronto. Sources close to the negotiations have confirmed that both clubs are in advanced discussions, with McDavid poised to sign a long-term contract that would make him the highest-paid player in NHL history.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Acquisition
Connor McDavid, 28, has been the face of the Edmonton Oilers since being drafted first overall in 2015. Over the past decade, McDavid has established himself as the most electrifying player in the NHL, winning multiple Hart Trophies and consistently leading the league in scoring. His remarkable speed, vision, and playmaking ability have redefined the modern NHL, making him a generational talent that any franchise would covet.
McDavid’s current eight-year, $100 million contract with the Oilers, signed in 2017, is set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season. However, with the NHL salary cap projected to rise to an unprecedented $104 million by the 2026-27 season, the Maple Leafs are eager to secure McDavid’s services ahead of time, offering a lucrative $120 million deal over six years. This new deal would average $20 million per season, a figure that reflects McDavid’s unparalleled dominance and marketability.
Why Toronto?
Toronto’s pursuit of McDavid is no surprise. The Maple Leafs have been perennial contenders in recent seasons but have struggled to translate their regular-season success into deep playoff runs. With a core that includes Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander, the Leafs have built a formidable offensive unit. However, adding McDavid to that mix could be the missing piece to bring a Stanley Cup back to Toronto after more than five decades of heartbreak.
“Connor McDavid is a game-changer,” said a senior Maple Leafs executive. “He’s not just the best player in the NHL right now—he’s one of the best of all time. Bringing him to Toronto would instantly elevate this team to a different level.”
For McDavid, a move to Toronto would represent a homecoming. The Ontario native grew up just two hours from Toronto in Newmarket, where he honed his skills as a young prodigy before eventually becoming a hockey icon.
The Financial Picture
McDavid’s estimated net worth of $30 million is expected to skyrocket with this potential move, not only due to the record-breaking contract but also through endorsement opportunities that come with playing in the Toronto market. Currently earning an average of $12.5 million per season, McDavid’s potential new deal could more than double his annual earnings, cementing his status as the NHL’s top-earning athlete.
According to Spotrac, McDavid’s contract with the Oilers had made him one of the highest-paid players in the league, but Toronto’s offer would eclipse even that. With endorsements from major brands such as Adidas, CCM, and BioSteel, McDavid’s marketability in Toronto—a hockey-crazed city—could push his overall earnings past the $50 million per year mark.
What’s in It for Edmonton?
For the Oilers, losing a player of McDavid’s caliber is an unimaginable blow. However, sources suggest that Edmonton’s front office is bracing for the possibility and has been preparing for a post-McDavid era. The return package Toronto is reportedly offering includes multiple first-round draft picks, a top-tier prospect, and an established NHL player to help mitigate the loss.
While the Oilers remain hopeful of retaining McDavid, they are aware that Toronto’s offer may be too good to refuse. Given McDavid’s impending free agency and the uncertainty surrounding his future in Edmonton, a trade that yields a substantial return may be the best course of action for the Oilers.
What This Means for the NHL
A deal of this magnitude would send shockwaves throughout the NHL, altering the competitive landscape of the league for years to come. McDavid’s presence in Toronto would not only make the Maple Leafs instant Stanley Cup favorites but also elevate the league’s profile, drawing increased viewership and sponsorship interest.
“If this deal goes through, it changes everything,” said an NHL analyst. “The Leafs would have the most lethal offensive core in hockey, and McDavid’s arrival would make them the team to beat for the foreseeable future.”
The Final Countdown
Negotiations are reportedly in their final stages, with both sides ironing out the details before making an official announcement. Barring any last-minute changes, the Maple Leafs are expected to unveil Connor McDavid as their newest superstar within the coming days.
As hockey fans across North America hold their breath, one thing is certain—if Connor McDavid dons the blue and white, the Toronto Maple Leafs will no longer be just a contender. They will be the team to beat.
