Pierre LeBrun Connects Maple Leafs to Connor McDavid's 2026 Decision
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun revealed that due to what Connor McDavid said earlier in an interview with Elliotte Friedman, the Maple Leafs might have a shot at him.
With the NHL season three weeks away from officially kicking off, the storyline all season no doubt is going to be the contract situation between Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.
The unquestioned best player in the world is set to be a free agent next summer, and with every team fighting for a chance at him he's not only going to be extremely expensive, but demand the best chance possible at being able to win consistently.
But when asked about how he envisions where he'll be after 2025, McDavid bluntly answered that he's focused on this season only and whatever happens is up to fate:
I have all the faith in the world in this 2025-26 season, and beyond that remains to be seen.
How Connor McDavid's 2026 Decision Creates a Ripple Effect Across the NHL
That's got to be a huge gut punch to Oilers fans who want to see their franchise icon stick around as an Edmonton lifer, and stamp his legacy in Alberta (and bring them a title or two).
But he's also heavily connected to the Toronto Maple Leafs, a team who could end up having an advantage due to some deep personal connections, and according to Pierre LeBrun; they are seriously mulling a signing:
Until Connor McDavid makes his decision, there are teams that are gonna want to know, do we have to keep our powder dry for the summer of '26? The Leafs are among them.
Well, that was certainly a way to kick things off. Given how linked the two parties have been, it seems like all eyes are going to be on how McDavid approaches things and if contract talks become an unwanted distraction.
Maple Leafs Could Adjust Their Long-Term Planning
But for the Maple Leafs, this must feel like Christmas. Not only was McDavid leaving it open to a potential signing next summer, but the team is going to have much more capital to spend on with minimal free agents to worry about.
Sure they still need to re-sign Anthony Stolarz, however with news that he could command a fairly decent salary all things considered; it's saving them more money to put towards McDavid.
With Kirill Kaprizov rejecting the largest contract offer in NHL history, it leaves a lot of speculation as to what McDavid is going to command. If he decides that he wants to sign for $20-million, who is going to tell the world's best player no?
Toronto's long-term plans seem to be set in stone for the most part. Their defensive core is locked up for the next little bit, they have their top forwards signed and their young pieces available on cheap extensions and potentially their goaltending figured out.
That leaves a lot of room for McDavid to come in and change things drastically, and it would give him some relief knowing the team has a firm direction with the right pieces put in place.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 18 | 1320 ANSWERS Pierre LeBrun Connects Maple Leafs to Connor McDavid's 2026 Decision Does Toronto have a chance at signing Connor McDavid this upcoming summer? | ||
| Yes | 759 | 57.5 % |
| No | 561 | 42.5 % |
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