NHL insider Frank Seravalli provided an update in Connor McDavid's contract negotiations, and he could opt to take a short-term deal instead of a max eight-year one. Edmonton franchise player Connor McDavid could be copying Auston Matthews' negotiation tactics, <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/edmonton-oilers/nhl-insider-provides-latest-update-on-connor-mcdavid-future-with-the-edmonton-oilers' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>according to hockey sources</a> and NHL insider Frank Seravalli. My guess is that it's not going to be an eight-year deal, it'll be less than that, probably four. - Frank Seravalli <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/BR_OpenIce/status/1950253565202637169'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/NHLRumourReport/status/1948413740216361308'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> Since his current deal will not extend beyond 2025-26, and next season's NHL salary cap is rising, and could reach $113.5 million by 2027-28, Connor McDavid could be <a href='https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/nhl/news/connor-mcdavid-trade-rumors-nhl-mvp-might-follow-auston-matthews-lead-to-control-his-future-in-edmonton/articleshow/122952973.cms' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>seeking a reduced-term, higher-salary extension.</a> This can allow him to better judge the status of the team and market in the future. If McDavid takes the Auston Matthews route, it could give courage to other star players to consider short-term deals, basically betting on themselves. <h3>A Short-Term Deal Would Allow McDavid to Ensure the Oilers Remain Competitive</h3> A short-term contract would essentially give Connor McDavid total control over the roster makeup of the Oilers. This would certainly make them build a better, winning roster much faster, given their history of going to the Stanley Cup Final and losing it in those two back-to-back years. Despite <a href='https://www.nhl.com/oilers/player/connor-mcdavid-8478402' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>McDavid</a>'s incredible offense, having 100 points after 67 games last season, his team's failure to advance beyond a Stanley Cup Final appearance to actually hoisting a championship appears to be a large reason behind his next set of contract choices. His incredible career points and being seen as the best player since Wayne Gretzky to don an Oilers jersey will definitely give him a massive amount of leverage during negotiations.