Elliotte Friedman's McDavid Comments Fuel Speculation on the Maple Leafs' Cap Strategy
Photo credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman's comments on his 32 Thoughts podcast threw some fuel on the Connor McDavid rumors and mentions any team best be prepared ahead of time.
With the question being if, and not when, Connor McDavid is going to sign an extension with the Edmonton Oilers many are wondering what the holdout is and if the world's greatest player is potentially entertaining free agency come Summer 2026.
There's talks about it being a short-term extension, while many fans are hoping he sticks around for that eight-year term, but either way you slice it; it's going to cost a pretty penny.
Which is why if McDavid decides to test free agency, other teams are going to need to make sure they not only have the cap space to field a respectable offer, but the roster space as well.
What Elliotte Friedman Said About Connor McDavid and Salary Cap Flexibility
So it's why NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman essentially warned other teams that if they want to get in on the McDavid sweepstakes: They should be doing their homework early.
Speaking on his 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman explained that McDavid remaining in Edmonton isn't guaranteed and the other 31 teams need to figure it out quick:
If you believe you have a chance at him...you have to make sure your decks are clear; if this is real, do I really believe I have a chance at him? And if so, I better be in position to be able to get him.
That means that a team like the Maple Leafs, who are worried about bringing in a potential top-six forward or new #1 defenseman this season, need to weight whether it's worth spending money now, or waiting to see if they can land the biggest fish in the pond.
How Friedman's Comments Connect to the Maple Leafs' Roster and Cap Plans
McDavid's link to Toronto is well known, and it would be an incredible coup on behalf of Brad Treliving and company to bring him into the fold. With Toronto having several free agents next summer with only Anthony Stolarz the real important one; they have enough to make a move.
Treliving was already talking recently about how he feels his team is looking heading into 2025-26 and mentioned that if a move is to be made, it will be. But they don't have to jump the shark and should really wait and see how the season turns out.
If Matias Maccelli is an utter failure in to the top-six and a trade is more a necessity than a bonus then perhaps it'll be in the team's best interest to bring someone in.
But if the team is handling the Atlantic really well, and they don't have too many injury concerns, then holding onto their near $20-million+ in cap space should be their priority.
The hometown kid might be feeling a bit homesick nowadays.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 6 | 1857 ANSWERS Elliotte Friedman's McDavid Comments Fuel Speculation on the Maple Leafs' Cap Strategy Do you think Toronto has a legitimate shot at landing Connor McDavid if he doesn't re-sign? | ||
| Yes | 1260 | 67.9 % |
| No | 597 | 32.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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