How will the Kaprizov deal affect Connor McDavid’s next contract?
After news broke Tuesday of Kirill Kaprizov’s record-breaking contract extension with the Minnesota Wild, an eight-year deal that will pay him an annual average value (AAV) of $17 million, some fans wondered if the NHL’s new benchmark would affect the ongoing negotiations between Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.
McDavid, whose eight-year, $100 million extension expires after the 2025-26 camapaign, has said that his status beyond this season “remains to be seen.”
“I’ve said since June, I’m going to take my time with it, and I still intend to do that,” he said. “That’s a big decision. It’s not something I take lightly or my family takes lightly.”
On Wednesday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Tyler Yaremchuk and former NHL goaltender Carter Hutton discuss Kaprizov’s extension and if it affects the negotiations between the Oilers and their captain.
Tyler Yaremchuk: Kaprizov’s deal has an impact on some other players, but I don’t think there’s much of a line between him and McDavid. There were some Oilers fans that were holding out hope because Kaprizov signed for $17 million per year, meaning McDavid could come in at two or three years at $15 million, so he could go to the NHLPA and say “I’m justified in taking less because I didn’t take the full term.”
I don’t think McDavid is wired that way, though. I don’t think there’s much correlation between the two. The only players who I think should be looking at the extension are the wingers, and that’s Adrian Kempe and Kyle Connor.
What do you think of the idea that McDavid is feeling pressure from the NHLPA to take the max term and the max money?
Carter Hutton: I don’t think it affects it at all. I think it’s a totally different situation. McDavid wants to see where Edmonton is headed. He’s made it very clear he wants to win and be on a team that will raise the Stanley Cup. If he’s taking that max, huge contract, is that disabling the team?
Look at Leon Draisaitl, Darnell Nurse, guys who already have those big contracts. Is that debilitating to this team if he goes long term? That would be a different sense in that matter. Especially the fact the last two years he’s been in the Stanley Cup Final, he’s trying to push this team over the top. Maybe you see a shorter-term deal.
You can watch the full segment and the rest of the episode here…