Superstar Connor McDavid will remain loyal to the Edmonton Oilers even beyond his current contract. The 28-year-old Canadian has extended his contract with the NHL club for another two years. The new contract gives the Oilers captain an average annual salary (AAV) of $12.5 million.
The Oilers captain, the face of the franchise since 2015, is committing to Edmonton for the time being – albeit with clever timing. Because in two years the salary cap is expected to rise to around $113.5 million. This gives McDavid the opportunity for a much more lucrative “payday” should he decide to extend it again – or the option to reevaluate his future if the team’s sporting development does not meet his expectations by then.
For the Oilers, the contract structure also means short-term planning security and financial flexibility to specifically strengthen the squad. A strategic move that gives both sides flexibility.
The exceptional striker has regularly led the Oilers into the playoffs in recent years and has won the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL’s highest points player several times. However, it wasn’t enough for the Stanley Cup, most recently they narrowly failed twice in the Stanley Cup final against the Florida Panthers.
Image: All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 2.0
