Draisaitl's Mega Deal Sets Stage for McDavid's Historic Contract Showdown

The NHL landscape has shifted dramatically with Leon Draisaitl's recent contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers, calculated at a staggering $112 million over eight years. This contract not only marks the second-largest total figure in league history, trailing only Alex Ovechkin’s iconic $124 million deal from 2008, but it also sets a new precedent as the richest salary cap hit in the sport's history at $14 million per season. As the dust settles on this blockbuster deal, one pressing question looms large: What is Connor McDavid worth? Draisaitl's contract was anticipated in the context of the evolving financial environment of the NHL. Recent hefty contracts for stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Auston Matthews established a new baseline for elite players. MacKinnon’s eight-year deal at $12.5 million per season and Matthews’ four-year $13.25 million contract demonstrated the escalating expectations for top-tier talent. With the NHL's salary cap significantly rebounding—jumping over 5% to $88 million this offseason and projected to reach $92.4 million by the 2025-26 season—the timing was ripe for a lucrative contract for Draisaitl. The approach to Draisaitl’s contract hinged less on the dollar figures of his contemporaries and more on the percentage of the salary cap they consumed. For context, at the time of their signings, MacKinnon’s and Matthews’ contracts represented 15.09% and 15.06% of the cap, respectively. Draisaitl’s new deal, positioned at 15.15% of the cap, fits seamlessly within this competitive landscape. Notably, only four contracts in the past decade have surpassed the 15% threshold, emphasizing the rarity and significance of these agreements. However, while Draisaitl's deal affirms his status as one of the league's elite, it inevitably raises the stakes for McDavid, who is often regarded as the best player in the game. McDavid's previous contract, which came in at 15.72% of the cap, dwarfs Draisaitl's new figure. With a record of individual accolades—boasting 14 major awards including the Hart Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, and a Conn Smythe award—McDavid's impact on the ice is unparalleled. Over the past five seasons, he has accumulated 610 points, a level of production that eclipses even his high-scoring teammate. Given McDavid's unparalleled contributions, his forthcoming contract is expected to break new ground. Historical comparisons suggest that to adequately reflect his worth, McDavid’s next contract could start at least at the same percentage of the cap as his current deal. Projections indicate that a similar percentage would yield a cap hit of approximately $15.25 million, with many experts believing that the actual number will exceed this baseline, potentially reaching figures that start with a “16,” “17,” or even higher. The ceiling, particularly, could be astronomical. In an unrestricted free agent market, McDavid could command up to 20% of the cap, translating to an eye-watering $19 million annually, a feat that would set a new benchmark for NHL contracts. However, for the Oilers, the challenge lies in balancing these monumental salaries with the need to maintain a competitive roster. People around the league speculated that the Draisaitl-McDavid duo could collectively command upwards of $30 million by the 2026-27 season, a figure that would exert immense pressure on the Oilers' financial flexibility. As the Oilers look toward the future, the implications of these contracts extend beyond just player salaries. With Draisaitl locked in, the focus now shifts to McDavid and how the team will navigate its roster construction amid rising stars and existing commitments. Currently, only a handful of players are signed beyond 2025, leaving the Oilers with critical decisions to make in order to support their two superstars without sacrificing depth. In a league where financial landscapes often dictate team success, the Oilers face a complex equation. With the expiration of the league's current collective bargaining agreement approaching in 2026, uncertainty remains regarding future salary cap adjustments and labor negotiations. The outcome of these factors could influence McDavid's decision-making process regarding the length and structure of his next contract. In summation, while Draisaitl’s contract showcases the increasing value of elite talent in the NHL, it simultaneously amplifies the anticipation surrounding McDavid’s future deal. As the league continues to evolve, one thing is clear: whatever McDavid’s contract ultimately looks like, it will be viewed as a bargain relative to his exceptional talent and contributions to the game, cementing his legacy as one of hockey's all-time greats.