Would have rather seen him walk for nothing as a UFA but I'll take this overpaid contract. I don't think it indicates McDavid is staying, it shows Draisatl knew he wasn't gonna get paid the same by another team so he took his payday. Edmonton paid him because they think it means McDavid will stay. McDavid helped his best bud get paid, and then gets to go choose his destination and get another payday as well.
Next year they are already at something like $78 million cap hit now, and Bouchard needs his new contract. Takes them to $88 million, so $4 million to fill out the depth.
Then in 2026/2027 they have this..
McDavid - $16
Draisatl - $14
Bouchard - $10
Nurse - $9.5
Hyman - $5.5
Nuge - $5.125
Total - $60.5 million or 63% of a $96 million Cap. With 2 more players signed for $2.45 million, leaving $33 million to sign 2 goalies, 5 defenseman, and 8 forwards. *Edit - forgot Cambell buyout, take $2.6 off so $30.4 million
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