Ryan Whitney says Oilers’ Connor McDavid deserves $23 million a year
· Yahoo Sports
Connor McDavid may have accepted another team-friendly contract, but Ryan Whitney believes the Edmonton Oilers captain is worth far more. Speaking on the Spittin Chiclets podcast, Whitney argued that the NHL‘s rising salary market has changed how superstar contracts should be valued.
“The fact is, Rantanen and Marner and MacKinnon, for a little while now, these guys are so underpaid,” Whitney said. “McDavid realistically should be getting $23 million a year.”
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Keith Yandle agreed with the projection. “Yeah. Or even more,” he replied.
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Paul Bissonnette then raised the stakes. “So I think McDavid could get a $200 million deal. Eight times 25. All signing bonus.”
Whitney added, “Legit. Give me $24 million every July 1.”
The debate comes as NHL salaries continue climbing. Leo Carlsson now carries the league’s highest cap hit at $18 million annually, while Kirill Kaprizov follows at $17 million. Leon Draisaitl ranks third at $14 million, while McDavid remains at $12.5 million despite leading the league with 138 points during the 2025-26 season.
Nathan MacKinnon ($12.6M AAV), Mitch Marner ($12.0M AAV), Mikko Rantanen ($12.0M AAV), and the top underpaid player of all, Nikita Kucherov ($9.5M AAV), also sit far below the newest salary benchmarks despite elite production.
Connor McDavid chose championships over a record payday
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) celebrates his goal. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn ImagesDespite projections of a historic payday, McDavid recently signed a two-year extension worth $25 million with Edmonton. The contract keeps his average annual value unchanged at $12.5 million through the 2027-28 season.
General manager Stan Bowman confirmed the number came directly from McDavid’s side. So, the decision preserves salary cap flexibility while keeping Edmonton’s championship core together, after making it back-to-back Stanley Cup fianls in 2024 and 2025, before a disappointing 2026 playoffs.
Whitney’s comments highlight how fast the NHL’s financial market has shifted. Only a few years ago, Draisaitl’s deal reset the standard for elite players. Today, younger stars have pushed that ceiling much higher.
Whitney’s argument carries weight because no player has matched McDavid’s overall impact. He continues producing at an MVP level while accepting significantly less than current market value.
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Still, McDavid appears focused on winning rather than maximizing earnings. His contract gives Edmonton room to retain elite teammates while keeping another Stanley Cup pursuit alive. That choice may become one of hockey’s most valuable discounts if the Oilers finally capture the championship.