Even though McDavid and Draisaitl have the same cap hit as Kane and Toews, K&T haven't won a cup while earning that amount. Both had $6.3 million cap hits when they won in 2015. The cap has only gone up 8.7% since.
Now, the Blackhawks are having trouble being contenders. They've lost in the first round the last two years, including getting swept this year.
When the Blackhawks won in 2015 they had their top 3 D Keith, Seabrook, and Hjalmarsson for $15.451M
The Oilers have their top 3 D Larsson, Klefbom, and Sekera $13.834.
That's only $1.617 less and the quality between the 2 is night and day.
If all goes perfectly for the Oilers, they could go on a magical run. However, their D and a few forwards are overpaid for what they produce. I can't see them being contenders year after year with the makeup of their team.
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