Insider Cites Two “Scary” Factors Impact McDavid’s Contract Talks

Pierre LeBrun was a guest on Jay Onrait’s show this week and discussed the NHL Board of Governors meetings. Specifically, LeBrun detailed a conversation he had with Jeff Jackson, CEO of the Edmonton Oilers, and how negotiations might be going with Connor McDavid. Saying talks haven’t begun yet, the two sides will take their time and LeBrun pointed out two “scary” factors that could impact what McDavid’s next contract looks like and if it happens with the Oilers.

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LeBrun explained that the ebb and flow of negotiations and the NHL’s future regarding the salary cap will factor in heavily regarding McDavid talks. LeBrun suggested that the Oilers are confident something will get done and that even if it’s not by July 1, that’s not a reason for Oilers fans to panic. Having said that, LeBrun noted that it’s important to note that Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid’s deals are not tied to each other.

LeBrun reminded people that it is important to separate the two superstars they have to decide what’s best for them personally. “Connor McDavid is a different human being, and they have their own decisions to make,” said LeBrun. In other words, just because Draisaitl signed doesn’t mean it’s a given McDavid does.

Onrait then brought up rumors of a huge bump in the salary cap and LeBrun said that any changes could certainly impact McDavid talks. The salary cap could potentially go up as much as 5% next season, and LeBrun responded, “Well, I mean honestly, the two players I think about the most are McDavid, but also Kirill Kaprizov.” If the cap goes to about $92.5 million, (if it goes by the current formula) that means teams have to juggle things to make these two huge contracts work. However, what Gary Bettman explained to the owners and also to us after the Board of Governors is that maybe they’ll negotiate a new cap number with the NHLPA during the labor talks in February.

Will McDavid Wait for More Salary Cap Clarification Before Signing a New Contract?

Another thing that might scare teams like Edmonton a little is that this is the first time everyone has walked away from the Board of Governors meeting and not known definitively what the next salary cap will be. The NHL expects revenues are about to explode and the NHL wants to phase in a huge cap jump and not have it all happen over one summer.

That means McDavid could theoretically wait until he knows definitively what the cap will look like when he has to sign next. If it’s not by July 1, then this extension could drag out. Again, that doesn’t mean fans in Edmonton should panic. But, the idea that this doesn’t get done right away could be a scary thought for some.

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