As Connor McDavid approaches the chance to signal a contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers subsequent summer season, Pierre LeBrun experiences that the celebrity’s focus is evident: profitable trumps every little thing. Noting {that a} Stanley Cup takes precedence over what he’s about to make — seemingly because the highest-paid participant within the NHL — McDavid stated, “My precedence is to win. My precedence is to maintain my household. These are the 2 issues that I fear about. These are my two obligations.”
In an interview with The Athletic, McDavid expressed that his precedence is main the Oilers to a championship. “I wish to win. That’s it,” McDavid acknowledged. His legacy as a winner ranks increased in significance than the place he ranks in wage in comparison with the remainder of the NHL.
Whereas some would possibly surprise if this can be a darkish cloud probably hanging over negotiations, that is good and probably higher information for the Oilers.
The Oilers Solely Must Fear About One Factor
As an alternative of dropping sleep over the precise greenback determine or proportion of the cap McDavid would possibly take, he’s hinting he’s open to creating issues work, assuming he feels assured in the place he’s at. It’s excellent news as a result of Edmonton ought to be capable to afford his subsequent deal, assuming he sees the staff as a contender. It’s higher information if they’ll set it up so he doesn’t need to surprise.
The Oilers’ success this season might closely affect McDavid’s determination. Win and compete within the playoffs with a long term, and most questions shall be answered. Not make it or be an early out, concern might begin to creep in.
On his technique to turning into one of many NHL’s all-time greats, his selection will undoubtedly form the Oilers’ future.
Oilers Assured This Extension With McDavid Will Get Finished
The Oilers are assured McDavid will keep. An extended-term cope with McDavid’s long-time teammate Leon Draisaitl helped. Nonetheless, Draisaitl has maintained that McDavid will do what’s greatest for McDavid.
If the Oilers can present they’re contenders, the one hypothesis shall be whether or not McDavid will observe the pattern of shorter-term contracts for flexibility or go for one other long-term deal like his present eight-year, $100 million pact. The higher the Oilers are, the extra seemingly McDavid commits.
With the NHL’s wage cap anticipated to rise within the coming years, McDavid might command a record-breaking deal, probably approaching $20 million yearly. But, the three-time MVP hinted that maximizing earnings isn’t what he’s after.
For now, the most effective factor the Oilers can do is win. In the event that they fail to persuade McDavid they’re a legit risk this season, he’ll spend subsequent season considering his future. It’s a cloud the staff doesn’t need hanging over all of it 12 months.
McDavid can signal as early as July 1. Ideally, he places pen to paper not lengthy after that date as a result of he believes within the probabilities this franchise has of profitable, and profitable usually.
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