via Last Word on Hockey, by Alan Downward
The Edmonton Oilers are expected to sign Connor McDavid to an eight year contract worth $13.25 million per season. The deal will mark the biggest cap hit in the history of the National Hockey League. The deal cannot be officially completed until July 1st, 2017.
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Projecting McDavid’s value as an NHL star wasn’t a difficult task. The type of generational talent that he possesses is hard to come by. Connor McDavid was drafted by Edmonton Oilers first overall in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Since being drafted, he has recorded 148 points in 127 regular season games. Despite suffering a fractured collarbone and missing half of the 2015-16 regular season, McDavid managed to record 48 points.
A Historic Contract for Connor McDavid
The Edmonton Oilers have had a plethora of first overall picks, none of which have ever come close to having the effect that McDavid has had on the team’s success. This past season, Edmonton saw their beloved team make an impressive playoff run that lasted 13 games. McDavid recorded nine points during this span.
McDavid's $13.25M AAV would raise the bar big time for NHL stars. Even Crosby/Weber back-sliding deals didn't average that over eight years.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) June 28, 2017
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When looking at contracts for the NHL’s most coveted stars, you will fail to find a deal close to that of McDavid’s. At $13.25 million per season, its hard to imagine how any player could come close to topping his worth. Sidney Crosby‘s 12-year, $104.4 million contract extension was astounding in 2012, and some may argue that McDavid has yet to surpass the Penguins captain as the best in the league. In retrospect, the Oilers signing McDavid to such a large amount holds proof to the amount of potential he has as a player.
How McDavid’s Deal Affects the Future of the Oilers
The new contract will take up just under 20% of the Edmonton Oilers cap space, and rightfully so considering it is being spent on McDavid. On the other hand, questions surrounding the remaining cap space and how it will be dealt out still remain.
Notable players on the Edmonton Oilers who will require new contracts include;
This may pose a problem as most of the players above are expected to receive, and have earned, pay raises. Be that as it may, it will be interesting to see how Peter Chiarelli and the rest of Oilers management plan to secure the remaining pieces of their roster.
Connor McDavid secured two NHL awards this past season; the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Ted Lindsay Award. As the undisputed MVP within the league last season, he tallied a phenomenal 100 points. McDavid’s rare play making ability adds to his resume of skills, flaunting hockey smarts that put him on a whole other level. As of the 2018-19 season, his success will make him the highest paid player in NHL history.
Main Photo: PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 08: Edmonton Oilers Center Connor McDavid (97) handles the puck during the third period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Edmonton Oilers on November 8, 2016, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. The Penguins defeated the Oilers 4-3. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
