Connor McDavid Should Get $25 Million a Year in His Next Contract – Hockey Writers – Edmonton Oilers

After signing a five-year deal worth $18.8 million per season on July 29, San Jose Sharks star Macklin Celebrini is now the highest-paid player in the NHL. But how long? Both Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche and Quinn Hughes of the Minnesota Wild will be eligible for new contracts at the end of 2026-27, and don’t be surprised if one or both of them break the $20 million per season barrier.

With the NHL salary cap rising as owners spend like crazy, it makes me wonder what Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid will be paid when his contract expires at the end of 2027-28.

NHL Salary Cap Rising Soon

When the NHL announced the salary increase, they predicted that revenue would increase from $95.5 million in 2025-26 to $113.5 million in 2027-28. The next deal between the NHL and the NHLPA should make it a big jump in 2028-29, when McDavid’s next contract will expire.

He could be looking at anywhere between $25 million and $30 million per season. Whether he re-signs with the Oilers remains to be seen, but as of now, the hometown discount he signed before the start of last season for $12.5 million annually looks like one of the biggest in NHL history.

McDavid’s Value to the Oilers Franchise

When the Oilers won the 2015 NHL draft lottery on April 18, 2015 and began drafting McDavid, the franchise was valued at $455 million. Today, they are worth $3.2 billion, and much of that increase can be attributed to McDavid’s popularity. So what is McDavid worth?

When you compare NHL salaries to other sports leagues, hockey players are on the lower end of the spectrum. Cristiano Ronaldo’s salary is $235 million per season with Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, or Shohei Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers of MLB through 2023. Is McDavid worth it?

Can Oilers Salary Cap Match McDavid’s Value?

That’s the big question in many hockey circles. Can the Oilers re-sign McDavid for more than $25 million per season and remain competitive? That depends on how much wages rise in 2028-29. Currently, Edmonton’s championship window is open for the next two seasons. After that, it may be too late with an aging core and rising wages.

There are clauses in NHL contracts that allow players to become part owners. Mario Lemieux was able to do it under special circumstances – he was owed $32 million by the Pittsburgh Penguins when the franchise went through bankruptcy in 1998. A brilliant star, Lemieux was able to negotiate part ownership of the Penguins and turned $32 million into $350 million when the Penguins were sold to the NHL in the 20th season. profit sharing for players like McDavid?

McDavid’s Next Contract May Be Determined by Oilers’ Success

You can bet Oilers owner Daryl Katz wants to make McDavid an Oiler for life. But what is the cost? He’s unlikely to give the team another hometown discount, as this is his time to really cash in. He may also feel pressured by the NHLPA to take what he deserves, as it will set the NHL salary cap.

McDavid will likely have to see how things go in Edmonton this season, and possibly next, to see what his future holds. If the Oilers can make it back to the Stanley Cup Finals this season, you never know. Meanwhile, as players continue to sign record-breaking contracts this offseason, McDavid’s value continues to rise.