The Edmonton Oilers have locked up their franchise player, Connor McDavid, for the next eight years. The deal is worth an estimated $100M which makes McDavid the highest paid player in the NHL annually.
McDavid, who just finished up his second season, was drafted first overall in 2015 by the Oilers. In his short career so far, the superstar has totaled 46 goals and 102 assists. McDavid was awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy (League MVP) this past season after accumulating 100 points (30 G, 70 A). He is the youngest player in NHL History to receive that award at 20 years old. McDavid is also the first Oiler since Mark Messier in ’90 to win this award
In the 2016-2017 NHL Season, McDavid led the Oilers to the franchises best record since ’86-’87. His performance also allowed the team to make the playoffs for the first time since ’05-’06.
How Connor McDavid Stacks Up
To put this contract into context, the two best players in the league, Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, signed long-term deals. Ovechkins contract was a 13 year/$124M deal back in 2008. As for Crosby, he signed a 12 year/$104M contract in 2013. The two make on average $9.5M and $8.6M a year respectively. McDavids contract pays him on average $12.5M a year.
The domino has falling in terms of these young players getting big contracts. Auston Matthews, the Toronto Maple Leafs Center, had a breakout rookie season where he notched 40 Goals and 29 Assists. His production lead the Maple Leafs to just their second playoff appearance since 2007. Â A similar season could have him bringing home a contract like McDavids.
The Oilers have set themselves up for a promising decade or so in terms of competitiveness. Peter Chiarelli, Edmentons General Manager, and crew knew that locking up McDavid was a top priority. With strong goalie play and a red hot offense begins McDavid, the Oilers could be propelled to heights they haven’t seen since 1990.
