NHL Insider Predicts Connor McDavid’s Next Contract Could Reach $16M AAV After Leon Draisaitl’s $112M Extension
In a landscape where NHL contracts are reaching unprecedented heights, Edmonton Oilers’ forward Leon Draisaitl’s recently signed $112 million extension has set the stage for some intriguing speculation. With his current deal positioning him among the league’s highest-paid players, hockey insiders have turned their focus toward the next major question: What will Connor McDavid’s next contract look like?
Draisaitl’s Historic Deal
Draisaitl’s eight-year, $112 million extension, signed ahead of his contract’s expiry, is a testament to his consistent elite performance and growing influence in the league. His $14 million annual average value (AAV) makes him one of the highest-paid players in the NHL, raising the bar for star players and adding fuel to the McDavid contract conversation.
Draisaitl has become one of the league’s most valuable assets, and Edmonton rewarded him accordingly. Yet, as impressive as his extension is, it’s just the prelude to what may be one of the largest contracts in NHL history.
All Eyes on McDavid
McDavid, who is widely regarded as the best player in the world, still has time left on his current deal — an eight-year contract worth $100 million with a $12.5 million AAV signed in 2017. As his contract approaches its expiration, insiders are beginning to speculate just how much more the Oilers’ captain might command. Given his exceptional play, leadership, and influence, many believe that McDavid’s next deal could shatter all previous NHL salary records.
One prominent NHL insider weighed in on the subject, hinting that McDavid’s new contract could see an AAV in the realm of $16 million. “Given where the salary cap is headed, and McDavid’s stature in the game, you could realistically see him asking for something around $16 million per year,” said the insider. “That number might seem huge, but he’s arguably the most valuable player in the league, and Draisaitl’s new deal has already raised the ceiling.”
Rising Salary Cap and Market Dynamics
The NHL’s salary cap, which has steadily risen over the years, is expected to continue its upward trajectory, giving teams more flexibility to offer higher salaries to superstars like McDavid. As the cap increases, so too does the market value for elite talent. McDavid, with multiple Hart Trophies, Art Ross Trophies, and countless accolades to his name, is in a unique position to demand a contract that reflects his status as the league’s premier talent.
Draisaitl’s deal not only sets a new benchmark for the Oilers but also for top-tier players around the NHL. With McDavid’s unmatched combination of skill, leadership, and marketability, his potential $16 million AAV contract would not only be justified but also likely trigger a ripple effect across the league, driving up future salaries for the NHL’s elite.
The Oilers’ Future
While locking down both McDavid and Draisaitl to long-term deals will solidify Edmonton’s core for years to come, it will also present salary cap challenges for the franchise. Balancing the rest of the roster while paying two of the highest AAVs in the league will require creative cap management from the Oilers’ front office. However, securing two generational talents is a price any franchise would be willing to pay.
The looming question now is not if McDavid will get a record-breaking contract, but when, and just how high that number will go. As hockey fans and analysts continue to speculate, the only certainty is that Connor McDavid’s next deal will once again reshape the landscape of NHL contracts.
