Connor McDavid is one of the most talented players in NHL history, but he is still without a Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers.

This considered, it is a distant thought in many Oilers fans’ minds that McDavid may seek greener pastures when he hits free agency in the summer of 2026, as even GOAT level players sometimes leave their teams (à la 99), and now, NHL analyst Steve Dangle has linked the former first overall pick to the New York Rangers.

Connor McDavid Linked to the New York Rangers by Steve Dangle

The New York Rangers are currently reeling from one of the most embarrassing stretches of hockey they’ve had in years. Expensive contracts like Mika Zibanejad’s are holding the team back, and the culture in the locker room is at peril.

Something’s gotta give, and, per Steve Dangle, that something could be Connor McDavid. In theory, it makes sense.

Artemi Panarin’s ~$11.64 million contract will expire the same summer as McDavid, and the team intends to move the contract of Chris Kreider. These two contracts alone will free up over $18 million, which is a realistic salary for McDavid on the free agent market.

New York is equally a desirable location for many free agents, as it is a bustling and vibrant city.

Here were the comments from Dangle, and his co-host Adam Wylde:

“What happens when Connor McDavid becomes a New York Ranger? … If you don’t think that NHL teams in the East and in the West are going to at least watch that play out and maybe make room for him.”

“I think it would be great for the health and growth of this league, if when the salary cap goes up this season and next year to North of $100 million, and we see all of these teams get a whole bunch of cap space, we can see a very similar Kevin Durant to Golden State situation, where somebody is able to steal a giant player like Connor McDavid to one of these markets and build an awesome super team.”

Having McDavid in a market like New York would certainly be good for the league. Whether or not it happens, however, won’t be known for a while.