Connor McDavid facing 2 conflicting forces in contract talks with Oilers

New reports have suggested that McDavid may not re-sign with the Oilers before the start of the regular season. It's a stressful update for Oilers fans, but the team is still confident a deal will get done.

McDavid has been extremely clear that his top priority is winning the Stanley Cup. In the NHL with a hard salary cap, taking his full value in a contract wouldn't help his ultimate goal of winning.

NHL insiders have reported that McDavid is aware of this, and would likely take a lower salary to help the team ice a better roster.

However, McDavid's contract is one that will have a major effect across the NHL, especially at a time when the salary cap is rapidly increasing. Other players will look to McDavid as the ceiling of salary in the league, and base their contract asking prices in relation to his deal.

This is creating a tough push and pull situation for McDavid. He doesn't want a maximum value deal, but taking a higher salary would be beneficial to every one of his peers in the Players' union.

Players like Jack Eichel and Kirill Kaprizov are likely held up waiting for the value on McDavid's deal, and also held by the uncertainty behind the increasing cap.

Regardless of even assessing how long the Oilers can remain competitive with McDavid signed, which again is a priority for the Captain - the salary of the contract remains up in the air.

With such consequences for the rest of the NHL and his own career, McDavid is right to wait and take the time before he finally signs his contract.