Connor McDavid appears poised to accept a new contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers that may come in below many public expectations, according to NHL insider John Shannon. Speaking on the Friday edition of Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer, Shannon indicated that McDavid’s upcoming deal will likely be shorter in length and lower than anticipated, despite his status as a superstar.
Details on McDavid’s Expected Contract Terms and Salary Cap Impact
Shannon suggested that the contract will be three to four years in duration. He emphasized that while McDavid is entitled to up to 20 percent of the NHL salary cap, the captain is aware that accepting the full max could limit the Oilers’ ability to strengthen the roster through free agency. Shannon explained,
“I think it’s going to be a three or four-year deal,”
and added,
“Connor’s entitled to 20 percent (of the salary cap)… But I also think Connor’s smart enough to know if he gets too much, that’s less to acquire free agents and other players for this hockey club. And that’s what superstars do that want to win Stanley Cups — they sacrifice.”
He further stated,
“I think Connor’s going to come in lower than a lot of people [are expecting], short-term… and it will give Stan Bowman to go out and spend some money on other players at the appropriate time.”
These comments underline the idea that McDavid may prioritize team success over maximizing his own salary.
Context from McDavid’s Previous Contract and Current Salary Landscape
McDavid’s current contract, signed in July 2017, was an eight-year extension which he himself adjusted downwards by $500,000—from $13 million annually to $12.5 million—still making him the NHL’s highest-paid player by $1.5 million at the time. As he enters the final year of that deal, it is expected he will once again sign a major contract this summer that could place him back at the top of the salary ranks.
Currently, Leon Draisaitl, McDavid’s teammate and key offensive partner, holds the highest salary among Oilers players at $14 million per year. If McDavid were to maintain the previous margin of $1.5 million above Draisaitl, his new contract would settle near $15.5 million annually. This figure remains significantly below the 20 percent salary cap maximum, which would exceed $19 million.
Negotiation Progress and Timing for Finalizing the Contract
Reports from Frank Seravalli note that as of earlier this week, the Oilers and McDavid’s camp, led by agent Judd Moldaver, had not yet exchanged contract numbers. However, these discussions are expected to commence soon. Anthony Di Marco of Daily Faceoff added that the deal is likely to be finalized before the NHL regular season begins.
Implications for the Oilers and Future Team Building
Should McDavid accept a contract below the maximum allowable salary, it could provide more financial flexibility for the Oilers to invest in additional players and boost their chances for deeper playoff runs. The captain’s willingness to sacrifice salary while aiming for team success echoes a trend among top players seeking to build championship contenders.