“McDavid should make the max”: a number of agents emphasize that Connor McDavid ought to receive a pay increase.

In the world of professional sports, contract negotiations and salary discussions are a major part of the business. For elite athletes, their contract reflects not only their individual achievements but also the market value they bring to their teams and the league. In the case of Connor McDavid, the debate about his worth is more than just a financial matter—it’s about recognizing the generational talent that he is, and rewarding him for his transformative impact on the NHL. As one of the best players to ever step onto the ice, McDavid’s current contract has raised questions within the industry. Leading agents and analysts are now emphasizing that the Edmonton Oilers’ star forward deserves a pay increase, even suggesting that he should be compensated with the maximum allowable salary under the collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

McDavid’s influence on the league has been undeniable. He has revolutionized the game with his skill, speed, and vision, and in turn, he has elevated the Oilers to legitimate playoff contenders year after year. Despite his obvious worth to both his team and the league, there is still a sense that McDavid’s current contract might not reflect the full value he brings. The question has now shifted from whether McDavid deserves to be paid more, to how much is enough.

This discussion not only revolves around McDavid’s worth as a player but also addresses the broader conversation of how star players in major sports should be compensated in an era where contracts and cap space are always at the forefront of league strategy.

The Current Contract Situation: A Snapshot

Connor McDavid’s current contract, signed in 2017, is one of the most lucrative in the NHL, but it still comes with some questions about its overall value relative to his impact. McDavid’s eight-year contract extension, worth $100 million, saw an average annual value (AAV) of $12.5 million. This deal made McDavid the highest-paid player in the league at the time. However, this deal is now entering its final years, and in comparison to his market value, many believe it no longer reflects the level of excellence he has continued to display since signing.

The NHL salary cap system means that a player’s salary is restricted by a set cap ceiling, which limits how much a team can spend on its roster. As a result, McDavid’s contract, while top-tier, is also structured in a way that doesn’t allow him to earn the maximum possible salary within the constraints of the system.

Over the course of his career, McDavid has only proven to be worth more and more. His incredible speed, playmaking abilities, and consistent offensive output have redefined what it means to be a superstar in the NHL. Many in the hockey world argue that McDavid’s contribution to the Oilers’ success, and the sport in general, far exceeds the $12.5 million he currently receives on an annual basis.

As his contract approaches its final years, many experts—especially player agents—are arguing that McDavid should receive a significant pay increase to reflect his value in the new market, where the salary cap is set to rise and the demand for elite talents like him continues to increase.

The Market for McDavid: Why He Deserves the Max

Several top hockey agents, who represent a number of NHL stars, have begun to emphasize that McDavid should be paid the maximum allowable salary. They point to several key reasons why McDavid’s value should be considered much higher than it was when his original contract was signed.

1. McDavid’s Status as the Best Player in the World

Connor McDavid is, without question, the best player in the NHL. His combination of speed, agility, vision, and playmaking ability is unmatched in today’s game. Even with other superstars like Leon Draisaitl, Auston Matthews, and Nathan MacKinnon making their mark, McDavid remains a level above the rest. His ability to change the course of a game with his individual efforts has led many to label him as the most dominant player in the sport.

His numbers reflect this superiority. Year after year, McDavid has consistently topped the leaderboard in scoring, earning multiple Art Ross Trophies as the league’s leading scorer. His Hart Trophy wins as the most valuable player have become almost expected, as he routinely drives the Oilers’ offense and makes an impact on both ends of the ice. In short, McDavid is the face of the NHL, the player who generates the most buzz, and the one who inspires the most attention from fans and media alike.

Given McDavid’s unparalleled dominance on the ice, agents argue that he should be compensated in a manner that reflects this unique status. While the salary cap does limit what teams can pay their players, the argument is that McDavid’s importance to the league and the Oilers should push him into the maximum salary bracket.

2. Revenue Generation and Marketing Impact

The NHL has made significant strides in recent years in terms of its commercial value and marketing efforts. However, McDavid’s influence extends far beyond the rink. He is one of the most marketable athletes in the world, and his mere presence in a game boosts television ratings, ticket sales, and merchandise. Teams and sponsors alike benefit from the attention McDavid brings to the league.

For the Oilers, McDavid is not only a ticket to potential on-ice success but a financial asset that extends to the business side of the organization. His global popularity has opened doors to new fanbases, new sponsorship deals, and new revenue streams. Agents argue that a player who brings this kind of economic value to the table deserves to be compensated accordingly. McDavid’s marketability and off-ice presence should be considered as part of the overall valuation of his worth, which further supports the case for a pay increase.

3. The Rising Salary Cap

While the NHL salary cap has historically limited the potential salaries of star players, the league has seen gradual increases in the cap ceiling in recent years. The salary cap is expected to continue to rise, giving teams more room to allocate higher salaries for their stars. For McDavid, this represents an opportunity to receive a salary that better reflects his status in the league.

The cap ceiling will likely be raised by a significant margin in the coming seasons, making it possible for teams to afford higher salaries for their star players. McDavid’s salary, which has already been among the highest in the league, will likely need to be adjusted to reflect this new reality. Given that McDavid’s play has only improved over time and the market for elite players continues to grow, there is a strong case to be made that McDavid should be at the top of the salary scale.

4. The Long-Term Impact of McDavid’s Presence

A player like McDavid doesn’t just affect the team during his current contract; his influence extends throughout his career. His leadership, mentorship, and presence are invaluable to the success of the Oilers, both on and off the ice. McDavid is an institution in Edmonton, and the organization’s ability to retain him for the long haul is vital to its future. Agents suggest that paying McDavid what he deserves financially ensures that the Oilers can maintain their star player while also making it clear to the rest of the league that elite talents are appropriately compensated.

What the “Max” Salary Means for McDavid

In the context of the CBA, the maximum allowable salary is the highest possible value a player can be paid under the rules of the collective bargaining agreement. For players like McDavid, this means he could earn a maximum salary of approximately 20% of the salary cap. As the salary cap is expected to increase, this percentage could translate into a significantly higher number than McDavid’s current contract.

For example, if the salary cap were to rise to $90 million in the next several seasons, McDavid’s maximum allowable salary would be around $18 million per year. This would represent a substantial increase from his current $12.5 million AAV, aligning more closely with what his talent warrants.

While it remains to be seen if the Oilers would be able to fit such a deal into their salary structure, it’s clear that McDavid is deserving of the highest pay available to him under the system. Not only would this pay increase reflect his value, but it would also serve as a recognition of his long-term impact on the franchise and the league as a whole.

The Bottom Line: McDavid Deserves His Due

At the end of the day, there is little argument among NHL agents, analysts, and players that Connor McDavid is the most valuable player in the league today. His skills, leadership, and influence on the game make him worthy of a pay increase, and several agents have stressed that the time is now for McDavid to be paid what he truly deserves.

McDavid’s current contract may have once been the highest in the league, but the market has evolved, the salary cap is rising, and the need to compensate McDavid properly is more pressing than ever. As the face of the NHL and one of the most iconic athletes of his generation, McDavid should receive a max contract that reflects both his on-ice achievements and his far-reaching impact on the sport.

For the Edmonton Oilers, paying McDavid what he deserves is not just a financial move—it’s a statement of commitment to maintaining the level of excellence that McDavid has brought to the organization. With his leadership and unmatched skill, McDavid is an asset unlike any other, and he should be compensated as such. The NHL’s most valuable player should be paid as the league’s most valuable asset, and for McDavid, the future holds a well-earned payday that matches his legendary status.