On January 31, 2025, NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman shared on his X:
“New:
NHL/NHLPA have released cap estimates for next three seasons:
2025-26: $95.5M
2026-27: $104 M
2027-28: $113.5M”

This new salary cap projection for the respective three NHL seasons has paved the pathway for the Edmonton Oilers ice hockey center and captain, Connor McDavid in such a way that he can be expected to demand an exorbitant but deserving raise!

According to Sportsnet,

“It seems a longshot that the Oilers captain would max out on cap percentage. Still, given his stature in the game and the years of dominance, he has left in front of him, nudging that percentage up higher than 15.72, perhaps to 16 or 17 percent.”

“He’s worth every penny at 20%,” says an anonymous agent about Connor McDavid’s pay rise

The Athletic polled anonymous NHL scouts and executives at the start of the 2024-2025 NHL season. The poll’s question was – Connor McDavid’s salary expectation will change after new NHL salary cap projections. Do you think McDavid will take 16 or 17% of the salary cap on his next contract?

In an interview with the Athletic, many agents shared that Connor McDavid must level with the other NHL superstars. They shared,

“Agent 1: McDavid should make the max. It’s imperative that he does.

Agent 2: He’s worth every penny at 20 percent.’

Agent 3: That guy better get 20 percent of the upper limit.” (-via Yardbarker)

Connor McDavid will become eligible to re-sign with the Edmonton Oilers on July 1, 2025

According to the Bolavip, the net worth of the ice hockey center and captain for the Edmonton Oilers, Connor McDavid, is $30 million as of November 2024. In 2017, McDavid agreed on an 8-year contract of $100 million with the Edmonton Oilers. Connor McDavid’s base salary is $3 million. McDavid received a signing bonus of $7 million.

The contract extension of 8 years, signed in 2017, ends on July 1, 2025.

Breakdown of Connor McDavid’s income from the Edmonton Oilers before the NHL/NHLPA released the cap estimates for the next 3 seasons:

If the new cap estimates apply to Connor McDavid, then he would be earning around $18 million per year with a $110 million cap – according to Sportsnet.

Connor McDavid Gives His Two Cents on Trade Deadline Chaos Amid Oilers’ Management Appreciation

via Imago

“Management in years past have always done a good job of pitching in and giving us another horse in the stable to help us coming down the stretch and into the playoffs, so I’d expect management to do the same.” Connor McDavid said ahead of the trade deadline. If you read between the lines, it was a subtle yet firm nudge to the Oilers management that the team needs players.

Thankfully, the Oilers bosses listened. They went above and beyond, singing not one but three NHL stars during the chaotic last phase of the trade window. Everyone else who didn’t make any moves earlier scrambled to make one as the window closed. The result? Some shocking moves like the Bruins trading Brad Marchand for a draft pick, Mikko Rantanen choosing Dallas, and more.

Naturally, McDavid had a lot to say about the new Oilers, because his team was among those who capitalized on the upheaval in Boston. While the Bruins obliterated their 2024-25 roster, the Oilers picked up Trent Frederic and Max Jones. “I feel like I like our moves feel like we’re in a good spot. That’s all we can ask for,” Connor McDavid told reporters, praising his team’s decision to acquire the two forwards.

Besides bolstering the offense, the Oilers also strengthened the backend by signing San Jose Sharks defenseman Jake Walman. The 28-year-old felt optimistic about the signings because they would add some much-needed grunt to the Oilers on the ice. “Wally’s great, Freddy and Jonesy as well. You know, just all big bodies that can skate,” said McDavid.

Connor McDavid’s team hasn’t had a great time lately. They absorbed four big losses against the likes of the Washington Capitals, Colorado Avalanche and more. The ducks handed them their most recent 6-3 loss. So, McDavid hopes the new additions will help the Oilers play a “little bit more of a heavier game,” on the ice. However, of the three additions, the Canadian star was certainly more “excited” about one.

Connor McDavid on his fellow Toronto native

While talking about their new signings, McDavid got especially excited while discussing new Oilers’ defenseman Jake Walen. McDavid didn’t beat around the bush about revealing his eagerness to share the ice with an old friend. “Wally’s a great player. Kind of grew up playing against him, playing with him, know him well,” the 4 Nations Face-Off winner confessed.

While the ice hockey stars haven’t shared an NHL team, McDavid was talking about their time of playing in the GTHL. That was over 13 years ago. Yet, the duo go back even further, growing up together as part of the Greater Toronto Hockey community. Connor McDavid praise for Walen continued. He said Wally was, “solid, big body, skates well, defends well. He’ll help back there.”

Needless to say, Jake Walen is equally excited to sign with the Oilers. The NHL defenseman also nothing but praise for his new team. The former San Jose Sharks player revealed his desire to “always” be part of a team that’s a title contender. So he’s delighted to be part of the Oilers who, despite their recent slump, are Stanley Cup contenders nonetheless.

He also spoke about being awestruck about reuniting with his old friend. “Yeah, I got to pinch myself a little bit. It’s cool for me being back seeing Connor. Know a bunch of guys familiar, bunch of guys on the team, and bunch of new faces. So I’m excited to get going,” explained Jake Walen. However, only time and a few NHL games will tell just how well the new signings are fitting into their roles at the Oilers.