Oilers' Connor McDavid expected to sign shorter-term contract
The next chapter in the Connor McDavid/Edmonton Oilers marriage approaches.
According to the '2 Mutts Hockey Podcast," they believe McDavid will sign either a two-year or four-year deal, as the Oilers do not expect him to sign for the full eight years. There is also speculation that the annual average value could rise from $16 million to around $17.5 million.
While Edmonton wants McDavid donning its sweater for life, this is not necessarily a bad alternative. The pressure is on the front office to win now while the Oilers remain one of the top teams in the league.
No, they are not quite on the Florida Panthers' level, and the two-time defending champions brought everyone back for another run at the Cup. However, reaching four straight Finals is difficult, and while Edmonton winning the Western Conference for a third year in a row is no cakewalk, either, there are just no guarantees that time of year.
McDavid on a shorter-term contract means the front office has to continue pushing its chips into the pile and surrounding him with winners. Goaltending is still an issue, and giving out all that money to McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Evan Bouchard, and Darnell Nurse creates depth difficulties.
However, the Oilers did add rookies Isaac Howard and Matthew Savoie up front, both of whom can be impact scorers in their first years. Andrew Mangiapane is no slouch in a middle or bottom-six role. A healthy Zach Hyman is crucial, too.
Expect Edmonton to stay aggressive with trades and be one of the big buyers at next season's deadline.
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