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Connor McDavid is the NHL’s biggest star and best-overall player, but the Edmonton Oilers captain has had to watch a wave of massive contracts push his $12.5 million average annual salary (AAV) well down the league’s rankings.
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McDavid signed a two-year, $25 million extension with Edmonton last year, keeping his $12.5 million cap hit low rather than taking a raise, helping the Oilers build a stronger roster.
However, speaking Tuesday at the NHL Player Media Tour, McDavid made clear that he’s happy about the salary explosion the league has experienced of late, with Cale Makar, Macklin Celebrini, Leo Carlsson, Kirill Kaprizov and Connor Bedard all landing deals carrying larger cap hits.
“I was thinking: That’s a lot of money,” McDavid said. “That’s a lot of money that they all signed for, and deservedly so.”
“It’s been a long time coming for our league.”
Connor McDavid is a fan of the rising salaries across the NHL. (@lukefoxjukebox) https://t.co/jPiwxIhdog
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) September 8, 2026
Star defenseman Makar leads all players after signing an eight-year deal carrying a record $20.4 million AAV. Young forward phenom Celebrini will make $18.8 million annually, while fellow center Carlsson landed an $18 million AAV earlier this summer.
McDavid, however, views those numbers as progress for NHL players rather than a reason to lament his own position in the leaderboard.
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“It’s been a long time coming for our league, to see some of those numbers,” McDavid said. “Good on those guys for pushing for that. You’re slowly starting to see some player ownership in terms of things.”
The three-time MVP reinforced his support for players getting greater financial leverage as NHL salaries continue climbing.
“That’s all positive stuff, as a player,” McDavid said. “I’m sure ownership and management have some different thoughts, but as a player, I think it’s all great things.”
McDavid recorded 138 points last season, winning his sixth NHL scoring title. The Oilers, however, couldn’t advance past the first round of the playoffs, losing 4-2 to the Anaheim Ducks.
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This story was originally published September 9, 2026 at 5:15 AM.