Connor McDavid was unwavering in his commitment to stay with the Edmonton Oilers for the long haul.
That was the message delivered by general manager Peter Chiarelli upon announcing the eight-year, $100-million contract extension signed by the NHL's reigning MVP and high-scorer, a deal that will keep him in Edmonton for the next nine seasons.
At the same time, however, it's clear McDavid didn't push for the maximum possible value on the deal, allowing Chiarelli a better chance to build a winning team around the superstar captain.
"I compare this magnitude of contract to a partnership," Chiarelli said at a press conference Wednesday. "In order for a partnership to work, both sides have to benefit. They have to share in the success together. Conversely, they have to share in the challenges together also.
"This may be one of the largest contracts ever given in the NHL, but I assure you, it easily could have been a lot higher in value and shorter in term. Building a team to win the Stanley Cup was a constant discussion point in this negotiation."
In an ensuing interview with Sportsnet's Gene Principe, McDavid stopped short of saying he left money on the table, but he did echo Chiarelli's desire to win.
"It's hard to say you can make more than $100 million, that's a lot of money. Ultimately, you want to have a good team, you want to be competitive, and you want to make sure that there is a little bit of wiggle room.
"Could there have been a chance to take ... whatever, it doesn't matter how we got here. It's important that we have a good team and I think we'll be able to do that."
Theoretically, McDavid could have commanded $15 million per season on his new deal, as the maximum allowable salary cap hit is 20% of the ceiling, currently set at $75 million. A report on June 28 suggested McDavid was set to sign an eight-year deal in the ballpark of $13.25 million per season, meaning his actual contract came in at $750,000 under that number on an annual basis.
In the end, it's a deal both sides are happy with, and even more so if a Cup or two is won over the next nine years.
Next up on Chiarelli's to-do list is a contract extension for restricted free agent Leon Draisaitl, which also won't come cheap.
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