Connor McDavid’s trade links with the Toronto Maple Leafs has gained traction in recent times. (Image via Getty Images)
The possibility of Connor McDavid landing with the Toronto Maple Leafs has gained traction following a striking projection that places the NHL superstar on a potential $20 million annual contract in the near future. According to recent insights, McDavid is widely expected to become the league’s highest-paid player by the 2028–29 season. Even a major survey has revealed that the Edmonton Oilers captain is the most likely candidate to reset the salary benchmark, with some projecting his earnings could reach as high as $20 million per year. As per the NHL, Connor McDavid signed a two-year, $25 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers, with an average annual value of $12.5 million, beginning with the 2026-27 season.
NHL polls suggest that Connor McDavid coulc land a $20M contract projection with the Toronto Maple Leafs
Speculation regarding Oilers star Connor McDavid continues to intensify after a recent NHL agent poll projected that the NHL star could land a record-breaking $20 million annual contract, potentially with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The poll, which gathered insights from several player agents across the league, identified that McDavid has the highest chance of being the most likely candidate to reset the NHL salary benchmark. With the league’s salary cap expected to rise significantly in the coming years, the poll suggested that a $20 million cap hit could soon become a realistic figure for a player of McDavid’s caliber. The agent also speculated that it might be either the Maple Leafs or the New York Rangers.
Meanwhile, as the Toronto Maple Leafs are planning to make significant changes in their roster, a $20 million annual salary would account for a substantial portion of the team’s cap space. If the team moves with the contract, this could mean difficult decisions regarding existing contracts and depth players, raising questions about long-term balance, despite the additional boost they will receive from Connor McDavid.Also, interestingly, McDavid’s current contract structure allows him to revisit long-term negotiations at a point when league revenues are expected to be significantly higher. This strengthens the possibility of a landmark deal that could redefine NHL salary standards. However, nothing has been confirmed yet so far about the contract.For now, the situation remains for both the player and the team remains hypothetical, however as per the poll, Connor McDavid’s next phase in his career would not only shape his legacy but could also reshape the financial landscape of the NHL.
