Connor McDavid\'s two-year, $25 million extension with the Edmonton Oilers has generated no negative fallout from the NHL Players\' Association despite being widely viewed as team-friendly. The deal maintains his $12.5 million cap hit from his previous contract signed in 2018.
McDavid left significant money on the table by not seeking a raise. His decision to keep the same cap hit arguably makes his next contract the biggest bargain in the NHL for a player of his caliber.
The NHLPA has expressed no angst over the structure because McDavid\'s situation is unique. Everything from his playing style to his statistical achievements are beyond comparison, making his contract decisions equally unprecedented.
Teams may reference McDavid\'s extension when asking star players to accept less money in future negotiations. However, such requests are nothing new in NHL contract talks.
Anyone examining McDavid\'s perspective can understand his reasoning. He is coming off two straight Stanley Cup Final losses and faces long-term concerns about Edmonton\'s competitive window.
McDavid\'s $12.5 million average annual value represents the largest cap hit in NHL history for a two-year term. He preserved significant career flexibility by signing a shorter deal rather than a long-term extension.
The contract represents a win-win scenario for both sides. It gives Edmonton cap flexibility to build a championship roster while maintaining McDavid\'s market value and allowing him to reassess his options in two years.
The unique structure reflects McDavid\'s singular status in the league. No other player commands similar on-ice dominance or statistical production, making direct comparisons to future contract negotiations difficult.