The Edmonton Oilers made headlines recently with their decision to sign star forward Leon Draisaitl to an eight-year, $68 million contract extension. This move has sparked speculation about how it could impact the future of another Oilers superstar, Connor McDavid.
McDavid, who is widely considered one of the best players in the NHL, is currently in the final year of his entry-level contract. Many fans and analysts have been eagerly awaiting news of a potential contract extension for the 20-year-old phenom, and Draisaitl’s new deal could have significant implications for McDavid’s future with the team.
One of the biggest questions surrounding McDavid’s next contract is how much he will be paid. With Draisaitl now locked in at an average annual value of $8.5 million, it is likely that McDavid’s new deal will surpass that figure. Some have speculated that McDavid could command a contract worth upwards of $10 million per year, which would make him one of the highest-paid players in the league.
Another factor to consider is how Draisaitl’s contract could impact the Oilers’ salary cap situation moving forward. With Draisaitl and McDavid both potentially earning top dollar, the team may need to make some tough decisions in order to stay under the salary cap. This could mean parting ways with some key players or making other roster moves to free up cap space.
Additionally, there is the question of how Draisaitl’s new contract could affect McDavid’s decision to stay in Edmonton long-term. While McDavid has expressed his commitment to the Oilers in the past, the team’s ability to surround him with talent and compete for a Stanley Cup will undoubtedly play a role in his decision-making process. If the team struggles to stay competitive due to cap constraints, it could potentially impact McDavid’s desire to remain with the organization.
Overall, Draisaitl’s new contract has raised some important questions about the future of Connor McDavid with the Edmonton Oilers. As negotiations for McDavid’s next contract continue, fans will be eagerly awaiting news of how the team plans to navigate these challenges and keep their young superstar happy and in Edmonton for years to come.