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LAS VEGAS — Last week, Leon Draisaitl, the star of the Edmonton Oilers, established a new record by signing a contract with an average annual value of $14 million, the highest in NHL history.
This figure, however, pales in comparison to the top salaries seen in the NBA, NFL, and MLB. Nevertheless, with the NHL salary cap increasing after a stagnant period, it signals a changing landscape ahead. One of Draisaitl’s teammates is set to elevate this benchmark even higher.
On Wednesday, Connor McDavid was posed a question regarding whether he and Draisaitl felt an obligation to reshape the salary structure for top NHL players.
“I’m not sure, my agent is right there,” McDavid responded with a laugh, glancing at Judd Moldaver, who was attentively listening from a nearby table in the Encore ballroom. “I think he’d appreciate a yes from me.”
“Ultimately,” McDavid — who tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend, Lauren, this summer — added, “I’m going to prioritize what’s best for my family, right? I will focus on my chances of winning and achieving multiple victories.”
With a playful smile, McDavid concluded, “And that’s how I’ll respond to that.”
As Draisaitl approaches the final year of his $8.5 million AAV contract, he is aware that his position as the highest-paid player in the NHL will be temporary. McDavid’s next deal could surpass his teammate’s earnings by $2 to $3 million, potentially nearing the cap ceiling, where one player can occupy 20 percent.
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In two years, the salary cap is anticipated to be approximately $97 million, implying that McDavid could potentially command as much as $19.4 million annually. Draisaitl signed for slightly over 15 percent of the cap.
“I wouldn’t say I pushed my contract to the limit,” Draisaitl stated. “I want to clarify that. However, I am very pleased with it. I’m satisfied. In comparison to other sports, we likely don’t receive the compensation we deserve or what they are paid, right? But that’s just how it is in our sport.
“I believe every player would agree that if we could increase salaries in hockey, everyone would be on board with it.”
Regardless, Draisaitl’s contract and the increasing cap (which has grown to $88 million this season and is expected to reach around $92 million by 2025-26) present a transformative opportunity for superstars across the league.
Not only is McDavid’s contract with the Oilers set to expire in two years, but several“`html
The NFL’s highest-paid player is now officially known.
Would Draisaitl have extended his contract in Edmonton if he didn’t anticipate McDavid might do the same? Draisaitl is too respectful to speak on behalf of his teammate and friend, while McDavid is not ready to make a public commitment.
“These discussions will arise, but ultimately, he has to prioritize what’s best for him,” Draisaitl stated. “I made my decision based on what I believed was best at that time. Our organization is filled with knowledgeable hockey minds who will construct a team capable of contending for the Stanley Cup for many years. We must continue to drive forward and lead effectively.”
Undoubtedly, Draisaitl’s commitment for eight more years, beyond this upcoming season, will significantly impact McDavid.
“Choosing where to play and how long to stay involves many factors,” McDavid mentioned. “However, knowing that Leon has signed a significant deal and will be around certainly weighs into that decision, among many other considerations.”
Regardless of the circumstances, Draisaitl is thrilled to secure his future.
“It’s a comforting feeling to know where I’ll be for at least the next few years, allowing me to focus on continuing to build upon what we’ve accomplished over the last few years, rather than discussing contracts and talking to my agents every day,” Draisaitl expressed.
As for both McDavid and Draisaitl, their competitive spirit has been reignited, despite a brief offseason after narrowly missing out on the ultimate achievement. The Oilers have progressed through six playoff rounds in the last three years, but both players admitted it took time to overcome the disappointment of losing in Game 7.
“I’m not sure if it’s something you ever truly get over,” McDavid reflected. “(Former Oilers general manager) Kenny Holland spoke to us after the season, recalling how still, to this day, losing in ’09 in Game 7 against the Pittsburgh Penguins lingers with him. That’s from someone who has won Cups before (in Detroit). So, I’m not convinced it’s something you ever really move past; time just continues.”
Draisaitl added, “You likely don’t fully get over it until you win the championship. That’s definitely an experience that will stick with you.”
It has been a busy offseason for the Oilers, beginning with Holland stepping down and Stan Bowman taking over as GM. Free agent signings included Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson, and Vasily Podkolzin was traded from Vancouver. However, last month, the St. Louis Blues extended offer sheets to young players Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway. After a week of consideration, the Oilers chose not to match the offers.
When asked about the offseason, McDavid responded, “If you’d posed this question on August 1, I would have said, ‘Great offseason.’ Now, as of September 11, we’ve unfortunately had to part with some players, which is disappointing, but that’s the reality of the cap system.”
“Top teams possess strong players, and it’s challenging to keep them all together. Ultimately, some players get lost to the system, and losing a couple of them hurts. Nevertheless, I believe we’ve made improvements in certain areas, even if we may have regressed in others. I trust that management and internal players will rise to fill the necessary roles.”
(Photo: Steph Chambers / Getty Images)
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Leon Draisaitl Sets NHL Salary Record: What It Means for Connor McDavid and the Future of NHL Contracts
The Record-Setting Contract of Leon Draisaitl
Leon Draisaitl has made headlines not only for his on-ice performance but also for his impressive financial achievement. Recently, Draisaitl signed an 8-year contract extension that will see him earn a cap hit of $14 million per season, starting in the 2025-26 NHL season [[1](https://puckpedia.com/player/leon-draisaitl)]. This deal sets a new standard in the NHL, positioning Draisaitl among the league’s elite earners and raising questions about the implications for his teammate Connor McDavid and the overall landscape of NHL contracts.
Understanding the Impact of Draisaitl’s Contract
Draisaitl’s record-setting contract comes at a pivotal moment in the NHL, as salary caps continue to evolve and player valuations skyrocket. Below are key implications of his contract:
- Benchmark for Future Contracts: Draisaitl’s $14 million cap hit establishes a new benchmark for player contracts, particularly for top-tier talents. Teams will now need to consider this figure when negotiating with their top players.
- Pressure on Teammates: This contract puts additional pressure on players like Connor McDavid to either perform at an even higher level or negotiate for contracts that match or exceed Draisaitl’s.
- Salary Cap Considerations: General Managers across the league will need to evaluate how this contract affects their salary cap strategies and team compositions moving forward.
Comparing Draisaitl’s Contract with Other NHL Stars
To better understand how Draisaitl’s new contract stacks up against other top NHL contracts, let’s take a look at the current highest-paid players in the league.
| Player | Team | Cap Hit (per season) | Contract Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leon Draisaitl | Edmonton Oilers | $14,000,000 | 8 years |
| Connor McDavid | Edmonton Oilers | $12,500,000 | 8 years |
| Auston Matthews | Toronto Maple Leafs | $11,640,000 | 5 years |
| Artemi Panarin | New York Rangers | $11,642,857 | 7 years |
| Patrick Kane | Chicago Blackhawks | $10,500,000 | 8 years |
What This Means for Connor McDavid
Connor McDavid, widely regarded as one of the best players in NHL history, is now faced with the challenge of either matching or exceeding Draisaitl’s contract during his next negotiation phase. Here’s what Draisaitl’s new deal means for him:
- Market Value Increase: With Draisaitl setting the bar higher, McDavid’s next contract negotiation will likely reflect this inflation in market value.
- Potential for New Records: If McDavid continues to perform at his current level or improves, he could potentially sign a contract that surpasses Draisaitl’s, further pushing the boundary of player salaries in the NHL.
- Team Dynamics: The Oilers may need to make strategic decisions about salary allocation to ensure they can retain both stars without compromising team depth.
The Future of NHL Contracts: Trends to Watch
Draisaitl’s contract is a harbinger of changes in the NHL contracting landscape. Here are several trends that may emerge in response to such record-setting deals:
- Increased Salary Caps: As the NHL continues to grow in popularity and revenue, the salary cap may rise, allowing teams to sign players to more lucrative contracts.
- Shorter Contracts for Superstars: Teams may begin offering shorter contracts at higher annual values to secure top talent without long-term financial commitments.
- Richer Endorsement Deals: As player salaries increase, so too do endorsement opportunities. Players are likely to leverage their market value to secure more lucrative off-ice deals.
Benefits for Players and Teams
The ramifications of Draisaitl’s contract extend beyond just the player himself; both players and teams stand to benefit in various ways.
For Players:
- Financial Security: High cap hits provide players with financial stability, allowing them to focus on their performance without the stress of financial insecurity.
- Increased Negotiating Power: As the market evolves, players can leverage such contracts for better terms in their own negotiations.
For Teams:
- Attracting Top Talent: Teams that are willing to invest in star players can attract other high-performing athletes who want to play alongside top-tier talent.
- Enhancing Fan Engagement: Signing star players can lead to increased ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and overall fan engagement, boosting the team’s financial health.
Case Studies of Previous High-Value Contracts
To further illustrate the impact of record-setting contracts, let’s take a look at some previous high-value contracts in the NHL and their effects.
- Sidney Crosby: Crosby’s contract extension in 2012 for $8.7 million per season was a turning point for how the league viewed superstar contracts. It paved the way for subsequent negotiations.
- Alex Ovechkin: Ovechkin’s 13-year, $124 million deal in 2008 set a precedent that has influenced how teams approach long-term contracts for superstars.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Players and GMs
Players and General Managers have expressed varying viewpoints regarding record-setting contracts. This section compiles insights from those involved:
- Player Perspectives: Many players see high-value contracts as a testament to their hard work and achievements. They express that it motivates them to continue performing at a high level.
- GM Insights: General Managers often share their concerns about the long-term implications of high cap hits, particularly regarding team salary cap flexibility.
Looking Ahead: The Evolution of NHL Player Contracts
As the NHL continues to navigate the complexities of player salaries, Draisaitl’s contract will serve as a critical reference point for future discussions surrounding contracts. The tension between player value, team strategy, and financial sustainability will define the landscape of the NHL for years to come.
Understanding these dynamics will be essential for fans, analysts, and teams alike as they consider the implications of these record-setting contracts in an ever-evolving league.
