NHL Rumor Mill – July 20, 2026
Catch up on some recent Oilers speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples recently noted a couple of reports from Philadelphia and Montreal regarding Oilers superstar Connor McDavid.
Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images)
The first was from former NHL enforcer turned color commentator Todd Fedoruk, who speculated about the future of the Oilers’ captain during a recent appearance on a Philadelphia sports radio show.
Fedoruk suggested that McDavid, who is in the first year of a two-year contract, could request a trade if he doesn’t have a good start to this season. He claimed there are rumors that Philadelphia “is a place that Connor McDavid wants to go now.” However, Fedoruk wondered what the Flyers could get out of McDavid at this stage of his career.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: If McDavid decides he wants out of Edmonton before his contract expires in 2028, he’ll want to join a Stanley Cup contender because a Cup champion is the only thing missing from his NHL resume.
All due respect to the Flyers, but they’re not a Cup contender yet and probably won’t be one in 2028. Sure, they could surprise us and vault into that category, but it’s unlikely that they will be among his list of preferred destinations.
Staples also noted that Jack Todd of the Montreal Gazette believed the Canadiens wouldn’t need McDavid if he became available. He acknowledged McDavid as a great player but felt he would upset the Canadiens’ tight-knit chemistry.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Canadiens could add McDavid without gutting their roster, their prospect pool, or their salary-cap payroll, they would. Any team would. Nevertheless, it’s probably a moot point because McDavid might prefer going to a market where the spotlight isn’t a harsh after over a decade in Edmonton.
Jim Matheson reports the Oilers have 15 forwards signed for 13 roster spots this season. He speculates that Mattias Janmark and Max Jones could become the odd men out.
Philadelphia is a place so and so wants to go now are words never uttered before in history. Todd may have taken one haymaker to the head to many.
When Danny Briere was a free agent he rejected Montreal to sign with Philly, which upset Montreal fans because they felt as a French-Canadian he would naturally want to play there. Turns out he wanted to go to a better team.
How’d that work out? Stanley cup?
😂😂😂
So funny coming from a fan who probably also hasn’t won the Stanley Cup how’s your team been doing? Since only a few have been doing well I’m sure your team has been sucking just as bad. Don’t throw stones.
Hard to think of any team that would be able to trade for McDavid without giving up one of their top players and a blue chip prospect. I’d obviously lovevfor the Habs to get him but I don’t see how it could be done without damaging team chemistry and losing a very strong player, if McDavid is to be traded it will likely be for another top level player who for whatever reason wants out of his current team or would be best off with a change of scenery. And would be willing to go to Edmonton.
Who wouldn’t want McDavid? But would the price really be that out of sight, if he decided he wanted out of Edmonton and forced a trade? Especially if the acquiring team had no assurance that he was staying beyond the current season. This will be fun to speculate on for the next few months.
Last years 1st round exit must’ve been a huge disappointment. Especially after 2 finals appearances. Still, have to wait and see how Oilers season goes. Can’t see them not making playoffs. And can’t see a trade before next offseason. Oiler superstars do have a history of ending up in MSG.
It might look different in November. The Oilers have a history of starting seasons very poorly.
I’m not saying McDavid will ask for a trade, but I think it’s quite likely that Edmonton has a rough start and the rumours keep flying for months.
Dream on, dream on….
My best guess, he plays this season no matter what. 27/28, looks at how it goes and in january decides if he wants to be traded to 2-3 teams that can win. The Oilers will be limited in what they get. Why trade for McDavid if the Oilers wants 4 roster players/first rounders. He is a club icon and isnt resigning. As is, Vegas has 54m in cap space in 2028, Florida has 39 and many players signed beyond 2028 already, only BT needs a new contract
Floridas 39m cap space in 2028 is actually the lowest in the league. The way salaries are rising it would probably take most of that to sign McJesus and BT.
Wonder what the taxation difference is between Alberta and Florida? How much further would $20M go in FLA compared to Edmonton?
Answered my own question – the difference between $20M a year in Florida vs Edmonton is about $2.3M for Miami.
Must be dog days of summer if Fedoruk’s words from a radio show are what we are talking about. How the F would he have any idea? The fact that he throws out Philly as the destination, while on a Philly radio show tells you what you need to know. Really Philly?
Chrisms, he has permanent titanium plates in his face, so maybe?
No Frank, the Oilers will make the playoffs unless 2 of McDaivid, Draisaitl and Bouchard all have serious injuries.
They we banged up in the playoffs with 2 C’s, playing with broken a foot/ankle, including McDavid. Plus they played poorly defensively all year, so not shocking. Changes were made, mostly for the better I would suggest.
McDavid wants to stay in Edmonton and finish his career here. The problem for the Oilers is that he wants a cup more. So they need to be able to show they can, and that will depend on how they play. And Mr McDavid.
He got the coach he wanted, and say what you want about Babcock and his antics/issues, he knows how to win hockey games. Is the team willing to put up with it to win? I think they will, but we’ll see.
Guys, if you think McDavid is just about money, why did he leave more than $5M on the table on his last contract?
He also left 5 years on his contract on the table. That’s not a commitment to wanting to stay in edm. I’m sure he’d be happy to win in Edmonton. But it seems like he’ll be happy to win anywhere.
Ray – if he’s committed to Edmonton, then why did he only sign for two years? He can make that $5M up on his next deal. But he is giving the Oilers a further opportunity to build a team to win the Cup.
KInda what I said boys, wants to stay in Edmonton, but wants a cup more.
If you think mcdavid wpuld go to vegas or florida, you dont know him at all lol
Edmonton won’t make the playoffs this year.! I really believe it’s done for Edmonton.
If those teams don’t want McDavid to quote Dave Loggins, “ Please Come To Boston for the Spring time! There’s your #1 centre bs fans. Although if I’m Edmonton I’d be a little bit worried about what Connor would command to stay with the oilers. If Bedard who is miles away from McDavid in talent gets 15 mill a year McDavid might get nearly double that.
John Apple. As previously discussed here a player can only get a certain percentage of the team cap. But to your point, McDavid is not going to take a team friendly deal again like he has now. He can and should be highest paid player.
I don’t see McDavid making it to free agency. Either he signs extension next summer or he’s traded. No way he plays in 27/28 without a contract. At least not in Edmonton. A trade this season seems unlikely. Unless they have a Vancouver type season and we have another Q Hughes situation.
Barzal Romanov plus a 1st for Mcdavid?
Add 3 more 1sts
McDavid will be the next “Pajama Boy”.
McDavid, Matthews, Nylander, McKenna.
Why would McDavid want to leave Edmonton?
An owner who is willing to spend on the team.
An owner who ensures excellent facilities.
Among the top ice surfaces in the league.
Passionate fan base.
Great team mates.
He’s a beloved player.
Edmonton is a beautiful city, with a lot of open green space.
To win a Cup
Just about all 32 teams could come up with a travel brochure for their cities. I’m sure he appreciates Edmonton but lots of good places to play and potentially win. His 2 year deal definitely implies that the appeal of being a one sweater guy isn’t top priority
Not much green during hockey season……except for the checks!
Mcdavid for Lindell plus
If he wants to win go to south beach
That would tip the scale for years
It sure would but than cost will be significantly higher than what you mentioned. In terms of players and number 1 picks