New NHL Rule Has Major Implications for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Connor McDavid
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Connor McDavid could be on the market next summer, and with the NHL CBA only kicking in as of September 2026, the Toronto Maple Leafs could make a move.
There is a contingent of Toronto Maple Leafs fans who are holding out hope for the team signing Connor McDavid, which certainly feels outlandish right now.
However, with McDavid currently in contract negotiations, there are some who feel like the Maple Leafs' pipe dream is officially over.
Interestingly enough, anything can happen, and if McDavid does become available next summer, there is a nice little CBA rule the Leafs can keep in their back pocket.
Connor McDavid and the Toronto Maple Leafs
According to James Mirtle, teams can sign players to eight-year deals up until September 2026. This is great news for the Maple Leafs, who, in an ideal scenario, get McDavid for eight years.
Barring a negotiated change, the newly-agreed-to CBA actually doesn't take effect until September 2026, meaning there is still plenty of time for teams to sign players to eight-year deals
The scenario is simple. If the Oilers can't get something done with McDavid, and he wants to leave, then the Oilers could do a sign-and-trade.
This is the one way the Leafs could end up with Connor McDavid for eight years. Will it happen...probably not. Would it be a best-case scenario...absolutely.
If you are an Edmonton Oilers fan, it is probably a safe bet that McDavid will remain with the team for the next few years.
In fact, many reporters believe a contract will be signed in the next two weeks.
However, if the Oilers struggle to get it done, then teams like the Maple Leafs will be waiting in the wings to make something happen.
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