The New York Rangers are making bold moves this offseason in an effort to rebound from a lackluster 2024-25 season. Recently, the team made headlines by acquiring J.T. Miller in a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins, indicating a strong desire to compete for the Stanley Cup. Now, the Rangers are turning their attention to the future and the potential pursuit of one of the NHL’s most prominent stars, Connor McDavid.
As McDavid enters the final year of his contract with the Edmonton Oilers, speculation around his long-term future is escalating. Eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2026, his decision could significantly impact the NHL’s landscape. NHL analyst Adam Gretz recently highlighted the Rangers as a plausible destination for McDavid in a Bleacher Report feature, discussing factors like the team’s roster, market size, and salary cap projections.
Gretz notes, “The NHL would love to see its biggest star playing in its biggest market, and the Rangers would undoubtedly love to have a franchise-changing player at the top of their lineup.” This sentiment reflects the excitement that a player of McDavid’s caliber could bring to New York City, especially after a challenging previous season.
Currently, McDavid, who signed an eight-year, $100 million contract in 2017, has maintained silence regarding his contract status. His current deal, with an annual cap hit of $12.5 million, expires at the end of the 2025-26 season, and no extension talks have been reported. However, for the Rangers, the upcoming offseason could be pivotal as they work to clear veteran contracts from their books, paving the way for potential salary cap flexibility to pursue McDavid.
The Rangers are among the NHL’s most notable franchises, bolstered by a strong market presence, flexibility within their roster, and a new direction under head coach Mike Sullivan. Should McDavid enter the free agency market, teams like the Rangers are expected to show serious interest.
Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers, with McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the charge, made it to the 2025 Stanley Cup Final but fell short of capturing their first title since 1990. McDavid remains a central figure in the franchise, having recorded 132 points in 78 games last season. Nonetheless, as July 2025 approaches, when McDavid becomes eligible to sign an extension, the urgency mounts. If no extension is reached, it’s anticipated that interest from major-market teams, particularly the Rangers, will heighten, adding more intrigue to the unfolding narrative.
This potential pursuit not only highlights the thrilling possibilities of player movement in the NHL but also sets the stage for an exciting future for both the Rangers and McDavid, should he decide to explore new horizons.