McDavid is in a fairly unique situation since he is looking like he might win the Art Ross - possibly the Hart as well - while in his ELC.
He is considered to be a generational player.
There aren't many comparables. Ovie is not a comparable. At the time, it might have been debated if he is worth 4 1st overall picks or not. Being a winger, being Russian (the Russian factor), etc. Crosby is really the only comparable.
Yes, Crosby did sign at a fairly 'good' rate with Pittsburgh (wasn't anything crazy, is what I mean), but that was Crosby.
McDavid will never get to the situation of an offersheet - he knows and Edmonton knows that he doesn't need to. He is easily worth 4 first round picks - especially to an established team. They already have that team ready to plop McDavid into.
I do think he stays in Edmonton, but there is no guarantee that he will be as 'friendly' with his contract as Crosby was. He might be - he might actually sign for a relative bargain as compared to what his worth is - but he also might not. Nobody really knows at this point. He and his agent know that the other 30 teams in the NHL can give him the max offer and not worry about those 1st round picks in the slightest.
Crosby had Pittsburgh over the barrel, but he never pushed it. Will McDavid? I personally don't think he would demand max (or anything close to max) but anything can happen.
He can even play hardball and push the Oilers in a different direction. Signing for 9 or 10 million, but being adamant that it will only take him to his UFA years, not beyond, with the rationale that he wants to win and wants to put pressure on Edmonton to make sure that they have a competitive team at that time (if not prior).
Basically, even though McDavid is bound by his RFA status, he is very much in full control of the situation, and it will be interesting to see what transpires.
|