Oilers' Connor McDavid Will 'Sacrifice' with Next Move, Analyst Speculates

“I think it’s going to be a three or four-year deal,” Shannon said. “Connor’s entitled to 20 percent (of the salary cap), but I also think Connor’s smart enough to know if he gets too much, that’s less to acquire free agents and other players for this hockey club.

“And that’s what superstars do that want to win Stanley Cups—they sacrifice.”

Insider Envisions Sacrifices Ahead for Oilers' Connor McDavid

Shannon added that he expects McDavid to “come in lower than a lot of people (expect him to sign for), short-term, and it will give (Oilers general manager) Stan Bowman (room) to go out and spend some money on other players at the appropriate time.”

McDavid is entering the final season of the eight-year, $100 million contract he signed in 2017.

The most recent reports indicate there is no rush on either side, even with the Oilers’ captain eligible to sign an extension at any point since July 1.

Lack of Contract Talks Not a Reason for Concern

According to Frank Seravalli, no numbers have been exchanged between McDavid’s camp and the team. The insider said on Tuesday that both sides appear comfortable waiting, with discussions expected to ramp up in the weeks ahead.

Seravalli emphasized there is no reason for Oilers fans to panic, pointing to McDavid’s deliberate pace and the impact of a rising salary cap as key factors.

“Ah! Everyone panic! Alarms sounding! People in Edmonton, Alberta, are nervous. Should they be? I don’t think so,” Seravalli said. “There doesn’t seem to be any hint of nerves, or panic, or fear from either the Edmonton Oilers’ side and also the McDavid side.

“I’d expect in relatively short order here — whether it’s in the next week or two — that that process will begin to ramp up.”