NHL insider raises new deadline for Connor McDavid contract to use unique clause

Beginning this season, the NHL has ended the use of deferred money in contracts, and shortened the maximum term to just 6 years. These abilities may be of use to the Oilers and McDavid for their contract negotiations.

Insider Frank Seravalli revealed that the NHL will begin enforcing the new contract rules later this week. Any contract that wishes to file under the old CBA rules must be completed and submitted on October 6th.

It seems very unlikely that McDavid will re-sign for 8 years, but the use of deferred money could be interesting in this case.

Connor McDavid is facing pressures from the NHLPA to take the maximum allowable salary while the cap is rising quickly, but he also knows taking the max would impede the Oilers' ability to add to their roster.

The use of deferred money doesn't apply to the salary cap, and lowers the annual cap hit significantly. That way, McDavid could get all the money he deserves, and the Oilers still have a flexible salary cap.

It's understandable that players ideally wouldn't prefer deferred salary over long term contracts, but this is a unique situation. McDavid has already secured over $100M in career earnings, and is looking for a short-term deal where the deferred salary could be paid out faster.

For example, assume McDavid signs a 2 year contract. He could take the max salary of $19.1M for a total of $38.2M. With deferred salary, the Oilers could pay McDavid $14M for 2 seasons, and then pay him $10.2M that doesn't count against the cap after the 2 years expires.

Perhaps the Oilers will be using some of these contract techniques, and it will put a rush on the team to complete the contract this week. At this point, Oilers fans will be just hoping to see McDavid sign before the season starts.