Connor McDavid signed a two-year contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers worth $25 million on Monday, forgoing approximately $15 million he could have earned on the open market. The deal ranks among the most team-friendly contracts by elite athletes across major North American sports.
McDavid\'s $12.5 million average annual value represents 12 percent of the NHL\'s salary cap ceiling. The 28-year-old captain ranks fourth in league salary despite being widely considered hockey\'s best player, trailing Minnesota\'s Kirill Kaprizov ($17 million), teammate Leon Draisaitl ($14 million), and Colorado\'s Nathan MacKinnon ($12.6 million).
The deal closely parallels Sidney Crosby\'s 2012 extension with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Crosby signed for $8.7 million annually, representing 13.5 percent of the salary cap, while teammate Evgeni Malkin earned $9.5 million.
\"Two years at that number makes a lot of sense. It gives us a chance to extend our (championship) window here in Edmonton,\" McDavid told reporters Tuesday.
Both generational talents willfully accepted sub-market value to chase championships in their preferred cities alongside close friends. Pittsburgh won Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017 following Crosby\'s discount.
McDavid\'s sacrifice mirrors approaches from other sports legends. Tom Brady saved the New England Patriots approximately $15 million in cap space with his 2013 extension and continued restructuring deals throughout his career, winning two more Super Bowls.
Kevin Durant left $9.5 million on the table in 2017-18 to allow the Golden State Warriors to re-sign Andre Iguodala. The Warriors won their second consecutive championship with Durant earning Finals MVP.
LeBron James and Chris Bosh each left approximately $15 million on the table over six years when joining Miami in 2010. The Heat won championships in 2012 and 2013.
McDavid will be eligible to sign another extension at age 30, positioning himself for a market-resetting contract after helping Edmonton pursue consecutive Stanley Cup Finals appearances.