Connor McDavid is one of the biggest stars in the NHL. He is the captain of the Edmonton Oilers and one of the most talented players in the league today. He is also one of the highest-paid players in the NHL.
Now, let’s look at his full contract details and what makes this deal so special.
What Is Connor McDavid’s Current Contract With the Edmonton Oilers?
Connor McDavid signed an 8-year contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers in July 2017. The total value of the deal is $100 million. This contract started in the 2018–19 NHL season and runs through the 2025–26 season. At the time of signing, it was the richest contract in NHL history in total value.
Connor McDavid Contract Details
| Contract Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Team | Edmonton Oilers |
| Contract Length | 8 Years |
| Total Value | $100 Million |
| Average Annual Value (AAV) | $12.5 Million |
| Contract Signed | July 5, 2017 |
| Contract Start | 2018–19 Season |
| Contract End | 2025–26 Season |
| Signing Bonuses | Included (large portion paid as bonuses) |
McDavid’s $12.5 million average annual value made him the highest-paid player in the NHL at the time the deal began.
Why Is Connor McDavid’s Contract So Important?
This contract changed the NHL market. Before McDavid signed, no player had reached a $100 million total contract. His deal set a new standard for superstar players.
The Oilers made it clear that McDavid is the face of the franchise. He was drafted first overall in the 2015 NHL Draft and quickly became the team’s leader.
Since signing the deal, McDavid has won multiple scoring titles and Hart Trophies as league MVP. His performance has proven that the contract was worth it.
How Is McDavid’s Salary Structured?
Most of McDavid’s contract includes large signing bonuses. This structure gives him strong financial security.
Instead of receiving only base salary, he receives major payments upfront each season. This also protects him in case of a lockout or season interruption.
His yearly earnings usually include:
Base salary plus significant signing bonus payments.
This structure is common for elite NHL players.
When Will Connor McDavid Become a Free Agent?
McDavid’s contract ends after the 2025–26 NHL season. If he does not sign an extension before then, he can become an unrestricted free agent in 2026.
This makes the next few seasons very important for the Edmonton Oilers. Many fans and analysts believe the team will try to sign him to another long-term extension before the contract expires.
Because of rising NHL salary caps, his next contract could be even bigger.
Could McDavid’s Next Contract Break Records Again?
The NHL salary cap is expected to increase in the coming years. If that happens, McDavid could sign a deal worth more than $12.5 million per year.
Some experts believe he could become the highest-paid player in NHL history again with his next contract. Everything will depend on:-
His performance
The team’s success
The NHL salary cap situation
Right now, he remains one of the most valuable players in professional hockey.
How Does McDavid’s Contract Compare to Other NHL Stars?
When he signed his extension in 2017, no other player had reached the $100 million total mark.
Since then, other stars have signed big contracts, but McDavid’s deal remains one of the most important contracts in modern NHL history.
He is not just paid for scoring goals. He is paid for leadership, consistency, and franchise value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much is Connor McDavid’s contract worth?
Connor McDavid’s contract is worth $100 million over 8 years.
What is Connor McDavid’s yearly salary?
His average annual value is $12.5 million per year.
When does Connor McDavid’s contract end?
His current contract ends after the 2025–26 NHL season.
When did McDavid sign his current contract?
He signed the 8-year extension on July 5, 2017.
Will Connor McDavid sign another extension with the Oilers?
There is no official announcement yet. However, many expect the Oilers to try to extend his contract before he becomes a free agent in 2026.
Will his next contract be even bigger?
With rising salary caps and his elite performance, the answer could very well be yes.
Connor McDavid’s $100 million contract was a historic moment for the NHL. It showed how valuable elite talent has become in professional hockey. He continues to perform at an MVP level. That makes his contract not just large, but justified.