Connor McDavid Signs Two-Year, $12.5 Million Extension with Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid has agreed to a two-year contract extension with an average annual value of $12.5 million, a surprising move that significantly impacts the NHL’s landscape as one of the league’s biggest stars opted for a shorter-term deal and a substantial discount.
The deal, finalized today, is considerably less than recent high-value contracts like Kirill Kaprizov’s $17 million AAV with the Minnesota Wild and matches McDavid’s previous contract signed in 2017. This decision provides the Oilers with increased cap flexibility, allowing them to potentially bolster their roster in pursuit of a Stanley Cup. The Oilers have been to back-to-back finals, and this move keeps them firmly in contention.
Experts suggest McDavid’s decision prioritizes team success over maximizing individual earnings. By accepting a below-market value contract, he frees up approximately $6.6 million in cap space for the Oilers over the next two seasons. This could allow Edmonton to address needs in other areas, as evidenced by their recent seven-year, $7 million-a-season extension with defender Jake Walman. The NHL’s collective bargaining agreement dictates strict rules regarding team spending, making cap management crucial for competitive teams. For more information on the NHL’s salary cap, visit NHL.com.
McDavid, 28, has already earned over $100 million in his NHL career and is expected to continue securing lucrative endorsement deals. He will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2028, at which point he will still be only 31 years old and potentially able to command a long-term contract worth close to $25 million per season. Oilers CEO Jeff Jackson expressed satisfaction with the agreement, recognizing McDavid’s commitment to the organization and the city of Edmonton.
The Oilers organization stated they expect to continue discussions with Leon Draisaitl regarding his future with the team, and will assess their roster needs as the season progresses.
