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Maple Leafs Eyed for $20M Connor McDavid Signing
NHL superstar could become league's highest-paid player by 2028-29 season.
Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:37pm
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Cubist interpretation of hockey superstar Connor McDavid's potential future free agency frenzy.NYC TodayAccording to a recent poll of hockey agents, the Toronto Maple Leafs are seen as a potential landing spot for Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid when he becomes a free agent in 2028. The agents suggested McDavid could command a record-breaking $20 million per year contract, making him the highest-paid player in the NHL.
Why it matters
Landing McDavid would be a franchise-defining move for the Maple Leafs, who have long been rumored as a potential destination for the generational talent. Securing the league's premier player would instantly elevate the Leafs into Stanley Cup contention and generate massive excitement in the Toronto market.
The details
McDavid is currently under contract with the Oilers for two more seasons after this one, but speculation about his future has already begun. In a recent poll of hockey agents, 13 out of 21 respondents predicted McDavid will be the highest-paid player in the NHL by the 2028-29 season, with one agent suggesting he could earn $20 million per year. The agents also floated the Maple Leafs and New York Rangers as potential destinations for McDavid once he hits free agency.
- McDavid's current contract with the Oilers runs through the 2027-28 season.
- He will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2028.
The players
Connor McDavid
The captain of the Edmonton Oilers and considered by many to be the best player in the NHL. He is under contract with the Oilers through the 2027-28 season.
Toronto Maple Leafs
An NHL franchise based in Toronto, Ontario that has long been rumored as a potential destination for Connor McDavid when he becomes a free agent.
New York Rangers
An NHL franchise based in New York City that was also mentioned as a potential landing spot for Connor McDavid in the future.
What they’re saying
“McDavid will get whatever he wants.”
— Anonymous hockey agent
“McDavid will be the highest-paid player in hockey by 2028-29.”
— Anonymous hockey agent
What’s next
McDavid's current contract with the Oilers runs through the 2027-28 season, so the speculation around his future will likely continue to intensify as that date approaches. The Maple Leafs and Rangers are expected to be among the teams most heavily linked to McDavid when he becomes a free agent.
The takeaway
Connor McDavid's potential free agency in 2028 is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated events in recent NHL history. The prospect of the league's best player commanding a record-breaking $20 million per year contract has the hockey world buzzing, with the Maple Leafs emerging as a top contender to land the generational talent.
