Connor McDavid, the undisputed face of the NHL and captain of the Edmonton Oilers, commands one of the league's most significant paychecks. Currently, McDavid plays under an eight-year, $100 million contract extension he signed back in 2017, which officially kicked in for the 2018-19 season. This monumental deal carries an average annual value (AAV) of $12.5 million, solidifying his status as one of the highest-paid athletes in hockey and ensuring he remains an Oiler through the 2025-26 season.
McDavid's Earnings: A League Benchmark
While $12.5 million is an elite salary, it's fascinating to see how the market has evolved since McDavid put pen to paper. At the time, his AAV was groundbreaking, making him the highest-paid player in the league. Today, while still among the elite, players like Nathan MacKinnon ($12.6M AAV), Auston Matthews ($13.25M AAV starting 2024-25), and David Pastrnak ($11.25M AAV) now sit alongside or have even slightly surpassed his figure on new deals. This doesn't diminish McDavid's earnings but rather highlights the rapid growth of player salaries in the NHL, reflecting the league's increasing revenue and the immense value these superstars bring.
McDavid's journey to this salary echelon began with a standard entry-level contract (ELC) after being drafted first overall in 2015. His three-year ELC paid him the maximum allowable rookie salary plus bonuses, quickly demonstrating he was worth far more. It didn't take long for the Oilers to secure his long-term future, signing that mega-extension after just two seasons in the league. In many ways, given his consistent Hart Trophy-level performance and the ever-increasing salary cap, his $12.5 million AAV is often considered a "bargain" in the later years of the deal, providing incredible value to the Oilers for one of the greatest players of all time.
Trade on Every Game with Kalshi
Click Here to sign up to Kalshi — Free $10 when you sign up using our link or use code: ONTAPSEA. The only federally regulated prediction market in the US. Trade on real sports outcomes. Available in all 50 states.