According to new reports from NHL insider John Shannon, Connor McDavid is likely to take another salary discount on a short-term contract extension with the Oilers.
NHL insider John Shannon reveals Connor McDavid is likely to take another surprising salary cut
On the most recent edition of OilersNow with Bob Stauffer, insider John Shannon revealed that people may be surprised to see that McDavid will sign for a lower number than expected on a short-term contract.
«It's hard to sit and use the word sacrifice when you're going to make 16, 17 million dollars. But I think Connor is going to come in lower than a lot of people are surprised.
Short term, so he can have a little more freedom at the end of that salary cap description you laid out, Bob. And it'll give Stan Bowman a chance to go out and spend some money on some other players at the appropriate time.
- John Shannon
McDavid is aware the pay cut will give Edmonton the freedom to continue improving the team in trades and free agency. He could very well take the maximum allowable salary of $19.1M and the Oilers would be willing to pay, but he knows it'll restrict the front office's options.
With the rapidly rising salary cap too, taking a shorter term deal would still allow McDavid another pay raise in a few years when it'll be more manageable for the team. Demanding the maximum salary now when the Oilers are so close to a Cup would definitely make the quest harder.
Simply out, the Oilers would be incredibly fortunate for McDavid to take another salary discount. It shows just how dedicated the Captain is to winning in Edmonton and his belief in the locker room. Hopefully, a deal can be reached soon.