Connor McDavid contract breakdown

According to CapFriendly, McDavid signed an eight-year contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers in July 2017. The deal, worth a whopping $100 million, made him one of the highest-paid players in the league. McDavid’s annual average salary (AAV) stands at a staggering $12.5 million.

Here’s a breakdown of the yearly salaries for McDavid’s contract:

When Does McDavid’s Contract End?

Connor McDavid’s current contract is set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 NHL season. At that point, he will become an unrestricted free agent (UFA), allowing him to negotiate and sign a new contract with any team in the league. However, it’s highly likely that the Edmonton Oilers will try to extend his contract before it reaches its conclusion to ensure they retain their superstar captain.

McDavid’s Impact in the 2022 NHL Playoffs

Connor McDavid’s performance in the 2022 NHL Playoffs was nothing short of spectacular and quieted any criticisms about his contract. If anything, his incredible performance in the 2022 postseason proved he might actually be an underpaid NHL player.

Mcdavid played a crucial role in leading the Edmonton Oilers to the Western Conference Final, and his individual stats were equally impressive. Five standout McDavid stats from the 2022 NHL Playoffs highlight his dominance, including his points-per-game average, power-play points, and even-strength production.

Here are the five standout McDavid stats from the 2022 NHL Playoffs:

1. Points Per Game: McDavid’s points-per-game average was an astonishing 1.50, showcasing his offensive prowess and ability to elevate his game during high-pressure situations.
2. Power-Play Points: The Oilers captain was a force on the power play, racking up 12 power-play points throughout the playoffs, further demonstrating his importance to the team’s offensive success.
3. Even-Strength Production: McDavid’s even-strength performance was equally impressive, as he registered 18 even-strength points, proving that he could produce offense in all situations.
4. Game-Winning Goals: McDavid’s clutch factor was on display during the playoffs, as he scored three game-winning goals, carrying the Oilers to key victories.
5. Faceoff Percentage: While known for his offensive capabilities, McDavid also made significant strides in his faceoff game. He won 52.5% of his faceoffs in the 2022 NHL Playoffs, highlighting his continued improvement as a complete player.

McDavid was simply on another level in the 2022 Playoffs, demonstrating why the Canadian phenom has the highest-paid NHL contract. Even though he didn’t win the Stanley Cup, it’s hard to argue any other NHL player deserves to be paid more money.

McDavid vs Other Highest-Paid NHL Players

When discussing the highest-paid NHL players, it’s essential to examine how Connor McDavid’s contract stacks up against his peers. Let’s take a look at some other top earners in the league and compare their contracts to McDavid’s.

Top 5 Highest-Paid NHL Players (AAV)

1. Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs: With an AAV of $11.64 million, Matthews is the centerpiece of the Maple Leafs’ offensive attack. Although his AAV is slightly lower than McDavid’s, his goal-scoring prowess and impact on the Leafs make his contract well-deserved.
2. Erik Karlsson, San Jose Sharks: The Swedish defenseman has an AAV of $11.5 million, making him the highest-paid blueliner in the league. While Karlsson’s offensive numbers have declined in recent years, his ability to control the game and contribute on the power play still justifies his high salary.
3. Artemi Panarin, New York Rangers: Panarin’s AAV sits at $11.64 million, as the dynamic winger has proven to be an offensive force for the Rangers. His playmaking ability and scoring touch are key reasons behind his lucrative contract.
4. John Tavares, Toronto Maple Leafs: Tavares earns an AAV of $11 million, as the former first overall pick signed a massive deal with the Leafs in 2018. His leadership qualities and consistent offensive production have justified the significant investment.
5. Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens: Price’s AAV of $10.5 million makes him the highest-paid goaltender in the NHL. His steady presence between the pipes and ability to steal games for the Canadiens make him an invaluable asset to the team.

Although other players in the league command high salaries, McDavid’s contract remains unparalleled. His combination of speed, skill, and game-changing ability sets him apart from the rest. The Oilers’ investment in their superstar captain is a testament to his importance to the team and the league.

With this comparison in mind, it’s clear that McDavid’s contract is well-deserved, as his consistent dominance and exceptional skill make him one of the most valuable players in the NHL. As his career progresses, it will be interesting to see if other young stars begin to close the gap and challenge McDavid for the title of the highest-paid player in the league.

Verdict on McDavid’s Contract

Connor McDavid’s contract with the Edmonton Oilers is a reflection of his exceptional talent and the value he brings to the team. With several years still remaining on his current deal, fans can look forward to more jaw-dropping performances from the superstar forward. As McDavid continues to evolve and grow, his impact on the Oilers and the NHL will only become more significant.

While some other NHL players are clearly overpaid, McDavid is an example of a high-paid NHL player who may actually be underpaid given the value he provides.