When Connor McDavid signed his two-year extension of $ 12.5 million with the Edmonton Oilers on Monday morning, the hockey world was stunned- not only by the number, but by how fast- ironically, after weeks of McDavid who thought about his future- it came together.
According to TSN’s Ryan RishaugMcDavid and Agent Judd Moldaver quietly settled on those exact figure days before signing. After some reflection, McDavid gave the green light on Monday morning. The subsequent call with the Oilers took all five minutes – the first time that songs were even mentioned.
He tweeted: “McDavid and Judd Moldaver came to the conclusion a few days ago that if they were to do a deal, it would be 2x $ 12.5 million. That was their sweet place. They took a few days to think about it, and from Sunday evening a decision was not yet made.”
For Oilers GM Stan Bowman it was a moment of clarity instead of negotiating. “This is not about money for Connor,” said Bowman. “He is focused on winning.” The deal, Bowman added, was completely driven by players. McDavid presented the conditions and the oilers immediately accepted no counter sacrifices, no back and forth. “It was what Connor wanted,” Bowman said simple.
Apart from its simplicity, the Edmonton Financial Flexibility Deal gives on its way to the free agency of next summer. “Having more money gives you options,” Bowman explained, and noted that the intention of the team to use that cap -room space strategically. He said it would not change much for this season, because the oilers were already planning to be aggressive. “We are here to win now,” said Bowman. What will start to change is how the oilers do their business in the summer and the seasons behind it. McDavid who leaves somewhere in the field of $ 3- $ 4 million on the table, the oilers gives different different paths that they can follow.
McDavid’s choice has already set a tone in the dressing room. “He left money on the table to make the team stronger,” Bowman said and noticed that the players were shocked when they heard the news. He discussed the unique qualities of the leader McDavid. “That’s the message – it’s about winning.”
As for the question of whether McDavid thought of rising salaries for two seconds and how the NHLPA could view this deal, it certainly does not sound that it came to him so much when he decided to take another cent more for two years than what he already did on his current contract.
Next: Walman signed between schedules for oilers outside McDavid Deal
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