Oilers GM Stan Bowman had a message for fans after signing Connor McDavid, and he stressed the plan has always been and will always be to win. Connor McDavid's <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/edmonton-oilers/inside-the-oilers-surprising-path-to-connor-mcdavid-new-deal-very-unusual' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>two-year, $25 million extension</a> might have reset the NHL salary landscape. Several insiders believed the league's best player would eclipse $15 million per year, particularly with Kirill Kaprizov's recent $17 million-a-year commitment in Minnesota. McDavid instead opted for a consistent $12.5 million salary, a positive indication that his priorities are still with winning, not setting records. That call, according to Oilers GM Stan Bowman, was made by McDavid personally. Bowman indicated the negotiation was like none he'd ever experienced: there were no disputes over dollars or term, only direction of the team and competitiveness. <h3>Stan Bowman Revealed Connor McDavid Never Once Asked for More Money</h3> Bowman made a point to mention that McDavid and his agent, Judd Moldaver, never pushed for a higher figure at any point. The outcome provides Edmonton with precious salary-cap space and the ability to retain its core, add depth around its superstar center, and accomplish it without breaking the bank. In spite of the brief term, Bowman had a message for fans today while appearing on the Sports 1440 radio show. <a href='https://theoilrig.ca/2025/10/08/breaking-edmonton-oilers-sign-defender-mattias-ekholm-to-a-three-deal-with-a-4m-aav/' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>He stressed the extension doesn't change the club's quest for a Stanley Cup</a>. He complimented McDavid's leadership and unselfishness during the process, stating it set the tone for the whole organization. When I came here, it was because I wanted to win. I've been fortunate enough to be on teams to go all the way, and I know how special that is, and I know how close we have been here. Nothing changes now even with Connor signing shorter term deal. Our plan has been to win and it remains exactly the same. - Stan Bowman <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/JasonGregor/status/1976022048712602072'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> By limiting his paycheck, McDavid has all but guaranteed the Oilers' stability in a time when superstars seek record-breaking contracts with regularity. With McDavid signed through 2028 and defenseman Jake Walman inked long-term, Edmonton begins the season with stability at both ends of the ice and renewed urgency to translate their captain's commitment into a title.