In the world of NHL, there is no denying the fact that Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid stands out as one of the best players. Entering the seventh season of his massive eight-year, $100 million contract, the 27-year-old center’s impressive salary of $12.5 million per season puts him in a league of his own. With one more season before he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2025-26, McDavid has the option to sign a contract extension next summer.
Despite the looming uncertainty of his future contract negotiations, McDavid remains focused on the present moment. “It’s something that I’m not going to worry about or really deal with,” McDavid confidently stated to reporters. “It’s a question that I’ll answer once and that’s I’m worried about this year. I’m worried about being ready for the season – both myself personally and the group. That’s where my focus is at. It’s not on anything else. That stuff takes care of itself. It’s not something that I’m worried about.”
Last season, McDavid showcased his exceptional skills by tallying 32 goals and an impressive 100 assists in 76 games for the Oilers. This marked his seventh total and fourth consecutive season of recording 100 points or more. With a strong playoff performance where he scored eight goals and 34 assists over 25 games, the Oilers made it to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2006, ultimately losing to the Florida Panthers in a seven-game series. Despite the heartbreaking loss, McDavid’s outstanding performance earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy.
However, the 2023-24 season didn’t kick off on the right note for McDavid and his team as head coach Jay Woodcroft was fired after a disappointing start. With a record of 3-9-1, Woodcroft was replaced by Kris Knoblauch, the head coach of the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack. Reflecting on the challenging start last season, McDavid expressed, “I didn’t love the start I had last year, both personally and for the group. I’ve definitely learned a lot of lessons that way. The goal is to peak in early October, not necessarily in early September.”
As McDavid gears up for another season with the Oilers, fans and critics alike are eager to see what the star player will bring to the ice. With his unparalleled talent and unwavering dedication, McDavid’s journey in the NHL continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
