The Edmonton Oilers finally managed to extend Connor McDavid‘s contract. This extension will earn him $12.5m per year. However, the value might be shockingly low in comparison to other huge names in the league. In comparison, let’s take a look at Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs, for example.
Matthews is earning $13.25m annually as he enters the second of a four-year, $53 million deal. For McDavid, who is arguably the best player in the NHL, it seems like his two-year, $25m extension is a bargain for the team, and that the player left plenty of money on the table.
McDavid, who is a three-time Hart Trophy winner as the League’s MVP, should earn more. He also won the Ted Lindsay Award as most outstanding player as voted on by the NHLPA four times, and the Art Ross Trophy as leading scorer five times.
Now it’s on to one thing and one thing only
Edmonton hasn’t won the Stanley Cup since 1990. That’s the goal. That is why the Oilers are keeping McDavid. He is the one in charge to lead this team to the promise land while he is still in his prime.
Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers
And boy has he been close. The last two years, the Oilers have gone all the way to the Stanley Cup finals but haven’t been able to get the nod. Both times, they lost to the Florida Panthers, first in seven and then in six games.
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How are the Oilers projecting for the next NHL season?
The Edmonton Oilers are Vegas’ favorites to win the Stanley Cup next season. According to the odds, the Oilers, Hurricanes, and Avalanche are all 8/1 to win the Stanley Cup closely followed by reigning two-time champions Panthers at 9/1.
Hence, McDavid signing that extension is enough to pull them all the way to the top. They’ve grasped NHL glory the last couple of years but the window to finally end their 35-year drought is still open.
