Two things working against the oilers in signing mcdavid:
1) the nhlpa will be deeply invested in making sure mcdavid receives the absolute max number available. Like when Iginla was dominating the league and holding out, this contract impacts every player in the league and it is imperative for the PA that they don't appear to give the franchise any kind of discount or consideration on the deal.
2) there is no question on the ability or impact of mcdavid, so RFA year qualifications and bridge deals need not apply. He will ask for and get the max because if the oilers don't give it to him, another team will happily pay him to be the second best player in the NHL.
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