Every Edmonton Oilers fan will remember September 30, 2025. It’s the day when the hockey world is catching a glimpse of what Connor McDavid’s new contract could look like. No one is denying that McDavid is the best player in the world, but thanks to a newly inked extension of a fellow player, he’s shaping up to be paid like one.
News of Kirill Kaprizov agreeing to a contract extension with the Minnesota Wild came across social media on Tuesday morning. Kevin Weekes was the first to report the deal, while Frank Seravalli was the first to report the contract’s worth.
Kirill Kaprizov’s New Deal is Good News For Connor McDavid
On September 30, Kaprizov and the Wild agreed to an eight-year extension worth a record-breaking $130 million ($17 million AAV). Kaprizov, 28, was drafted 135th overall in 2015 by the Wild. The 5-foot-10, 202 lb forward has 386 points in 319 career NHL games.
His new deal is unique and sets the stage for the rest of the free agent dominoes to follow. Kaprizov is in the final year of a five-year $9 million AVV (average annual value) deal. As it stands right now, he will be the highest-paid player in the league come next season.
The Athletic’s Michael Russo reports on the structure of this new contract. According to the scribe, Kaprizov’s actual salary for the eight years is only $1 million. The remaining $128 million will be delivered in various amounts as signing bonuses (which will be paid out on July 1st every year).
The Latest on Connor McDavid’s Extension
GettyConnor McDavid
Two reports in September suggest that McDavid may take a team-friendly deal.
Last week, Oilers insider Jason Gregor shared a curious report. While making an appearance on the Real Kyper and Bourne show, he gave his thoughts on McDavid’s contract situation.
“It wouldn’t shock me if McDavid signed a two-year contract at like, $14 million,” Gregor said on the September 25th episode.
Many would see this as a shock, especially in light of Kaprizov’s new deal.
More recently, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman hopped on the show to provide further insight into McDavid’s decision.
“I think he’s going to sign for short term,” Friedman said on September 29. “The number is going to be lower than we think. I think it’s going to be below 16 (million) if he stays there. I could see it, I could really see it.”
“He wants to win,” Friedman continues. “I think he’s well aware that if he stays in Edmonton, they’ve got Draisaitl making $14 (million), they’ve got Bouchard making 10.5 (million), they’ve got Nurse making $9.25 (million).”
“I still think he stays short term, and I’m willing to be proven wrong on that.”
Connor McDavid’s Worth vs His Paycheque
GettyConnor McDavid
McDavid isn’t your average, elite NHL player. He is setting records at a pace that hasn’t been seen since Sidney Crosby and Wayne Gretzky.
There is no doubt that he could easily be handed the deal just signed by Kaprizov. However, his first goal isn’t making money, it’s winning a Stanley Cup. If he leaves the Oilers, a team that has made the Cup Final for two straight years, he puts that in jeopardy.
He likely signs a lower-AAV than Kaprizov in the short term to help the Oilers win. Once that deal expires, it’s not out of the realm of possibility to see his next deal start with a “2” instead of a “1.”
It’s McDavid’s world, and we are all just living in it, even Kaprizov.
Oilers’ Connor McDavid Gets Big News on New Deal