NHL insider Frank Seravalli revealed that he doesn't think there's reason to panic yet despite the fact that Connor McDavid has yet to sign a contract extension. Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers are ideally situated to take advantage of two big things: a ballooning NHL salary cap <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/edmonton-oilers/nhl-analyst-jay-rosehill-makes-a-stunning-prediction-regarding-connor-mcdavid-future-with-the-oilers' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>and the immediate pressure to win</a>. For the 2025-26 season, the NHL cap is going to be $95.5 million, with estimates as high as $113.5 million for 2027-28. Social media speculation has Connor McDavid's future annual average value (AAV) ranging from $16-17.5 million, with some, such as NHL insider Frank Seravalli and the 2 Mutts Hockey podcast hosts, tossing around the high end. <h3>McDavid Likely Won't Sign for the NHL's Max Contract</h3> Many appear to be in agreement that McDavid won't sign for the max contract amount that inches close to $20 million per year. <a href='https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/latest-news/connor-mcdavid-s-best-way-forward-with-oilers' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Signing long-term now would be leaving millions on the table</a> as the cap continues to rise. That's why the majority of experts expect McDavid to ink a short, two-year deal. Seravalli provided an update, where he dismisses panic in Edmonton, despite no deal being signed yet. People in Edmonton, Alberta, are nervous. Should they be? I don't think so. - Frank Seravalli <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/BR_OpenIce/status/1955322299558625392'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> The mere threat of losing the Oilers' greatest player since Wayne Gretzky should drive the front office to make a move sooner rather than later. This standoff isn't just about contract length, but also it's about strategy. McDavid is wagering on the cap's rise and leveraging his superstar presence to fuel the Oilers' urgency to win now. It's a financial calculation and a motivational tool, too. Should McDavid sign for two years, the team will have two years to hunt the Stanley Cup. If they fail, then maybe fans can panic at that point.