Connor McDavid hasn’t signed his next contract yet, but all signs point toward a long-term commitment with the Edmonton Oilers. Several factors suggest that an 8-year deal averaging $16 million per year makes sense for both McDavid and the team.
Trust and personal relationships have always been a cornerstone for McDavid. He has a long history with head coach Kris Knoblauch, who coached him during his junior years, giving him familiarity and confidence in Knoblauch’s coaching style. McDavid also previously worked with Jeff Jackson as his agent, further building his network of trusted advisors. He is known to trust GM Stan Bowman and the direction the Oilers have been heading, which reinforces the likelihood of a long-term deal.
Stability off the ice is another factor. McDavid’s wife, Lauren Kyle, recently launched Bar Trove, a restaurant in Edmonton. Having a business rooted locally helps anchor the family in the city and allows Connor to focus on hockey. McDavid has also voiced his displeasure at having contract negotiations hang over him during the season, making a long-term extension a priority for his peace of mind.
Leadership and legacy also play a role. Committing to an 8-year contract would allow McDavid to continue shaping the Oilers’ culture, mentoring younger players, and cementing his place as one of the franchise’s all-time great leaders. Of course, the main goal would be to win a Stanley Cup.
Financially, an 8-year deal at $16 million per year would make McDavid the highest-paid player in the NHL. The recent contracts of other stars show how the rising salary cap is reshaping player values. Mitch Marner’s new 8-year deal at $12 million per year and Auston Matthews’ 5-year extension at $13.25 million per year provide context for what top-tier forwards should earn in today’s cap environment. With the NHL salary cap projected to rise, McDavid’s $16 million per year aligns with this new financial landscape, rewarding his elite talent while reflecting the league’s upward trajectory.
For the Oilers, locking in Connor McDavid at a predictable cap hit allows the team to plan strategically around their superstar. The NHL salary cap is expected to rise significantly in the next few years, potentially reaching $100 million as soon as next season, which gives Edmonton even more flexibility to build a championship roster while maintaining McDavid’s elite compensation.
While nothing is finalized, the combination of trust in leadership, family stability, personal history with Knoblauch, and financial logic strongly suggests that an 8-year extension at $16 million per year is likely. Edmonton fans can imagine McDavid leading the Oilers on and off the ice for the next decade, continuing to build his legacy as one of hockey’s all-time greats.
ITR 47: Then There Was Nothing – Inside The Rink
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