Edmonton Oilers fans have speculated whether Connor McDavid will agree to a contract discount on his upcoming deal, but what exactly would that entail? Given McDavid’s extraordinary impact and the value he brings to the team, any extension he signs would effectively be a bargain for the Oilers.
McDavid accepted a discount on his previous contract, and since then, his performance has soared, leading many to regard him as one of the greatest hockey players in history, even early in his career. His impressive skills, both offensively and defensively, combined with his ability to excel in the playoffs, make him nearly unmatched on the ice. While some fans hope McDavid might match the $14 million salary of teammate Leon Draisaitl or accept a lower figure, it’s important to recognize that if McDavid returns to Edmonton at all, it will be at less than his true worth.
To put it plainly, whether McDavid’s contract is $17 million or $19 million per year, it would still be a discount relative to his actual value. He is such a rare talent that expecting him to take significantly less than what he deserves is unrealistic. The Oilers could announce a $25 million annual contract for McDavid tomorrow, and it would still be justified given his contributions to the team.
McDavid’s career statistics underscore how vital he is to Edmonton’s success. Over 712 regular-season games, he has amassed 361 goals and 721 assists, totaling 1,082 points — an outstanding 1.51 points per game. Last season alone, he scored 100 points in 67 games and added 33 points across 22 playoff contests. In 96 playoff appearances, McDavid has recorded 44 goals and 106 assists for 150 points, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.
Many fans hope McDavid will accept a lower salary to free up cap space for additional moves at the trade deadline. This is a reasonable desire. However, the Oilers already possess a strong group of core players who have helped the team reach the Stanley Cup Final in the last two seasons, enjoy promising prospects in their system, and retain key players by accommodating their salary demands. This foundation means that Edmonton does not need McDavid to undervalue himself to remain competitive.
Estimating the Terms on McDavid’s Upcoming Contract
It is not expected that McDavid will sign a contract exceeding $20 million per year, despite his potential to command such a salary. Reports suggest he may prefer a shorter deal, possibly spanning two to four years, rather than a lengthy eight-year commitment, although the exact details remain uncertain.
Most projections place McDavid’s next salary around $17 million annually, which will make him comfortably the highest-paid player in the NHL, a status fully warranted by his on-ice excellence. Rather than departing or testing free agency, it appears inevitable that McDavid will extend his career with the Oilers.
Ultimately, the timing of McDavid’s contract extension is the key question, not if it will happen. Regardless of the exact terms, any new deal with McDavid is a significant win for Edmonton, securing a franchise cornerstone for years to come.
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