Oilers analyst believes deeply personal reason was behind McDavid's contract discount
Photo credit: Imagn Images
According to one report at least, Connor McDavid's decision to take far less than he's worth on his recent extension was because he wanted to recognize Leon Draisaitl for having had a better campaign than his in 2024-25.
Connor McDavid demonstrates class and loyalty in selfless act
It is universally known that McDavid could have asked for much more salary and the Oilers would have gladly paid it. That he took at least 30% less than his obvious value speaks to Connor's loyalty toward his team.
But it also speaks to his unwavering loyalty to his teammate and friend Leon Draisaitl, whose 2024-25 campaign exceeded even the Captain's statistically. Some believe taking a smaller annual salary ($12.5) than Draisaitl's $14M was his way of recognizing that accomplishment.
Since 2017-18, Draisaitl has scored at least 40 goals in every year, except the COVID-shortened 2021 season, and has reached 50 goals four times in his career. Last season, he won the Maurice «Rocket» Richard Trophy for the first time after leading the NHL with 52 goals.
In Leon's 11-plus seasons with Edmonton, he has posted 558 assists and 958 points, and another 52 goals and 141 points in 96 postseason games. He's fifth on Edmonton's all-time scoring list, 76 points back of Mark Messier for fourth.
Now in his 12th year, and in his first game of the 2025-26 season, Draisaitl has already set an accomplishment by scoring his 400th career goal, making him the ninth-fastest non-North American player to reach the mark.
First game of 2025-26 and it's a milestone night for Leon Draisaitl, read an NHL Public Relations post
Draisaitl also became only the fourth player in franchise history to reach 400 goals as a member of the Edmonton Oilers, while his first powerplay goal of the season is the franchise-leading 163rd of his storied career.
It's not hard to see why Connor McDavid may have made the heart-warming gesture for his talented buddy; that he's capable of thinking about others has become quite apparent recently.
Now, it's the team's turn to reciprocate the loyalty and do what it must to win a Stanley Cup, for the Oilers and for its Captain.
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