Connor McDavid’s agent gets 100% honest on whether Kirill Kaprizov’s record $136M deal affected the Oilers superstar's decision

Connor McDavid’s two-year, $25 million extension in October was far below expectations, since he could've signed for a bigger figure. With the salary cap rising and stars like Kirill Kaprizov landing massive deals, the market had clearly taken a turn.

Kaprizov’s new eight-year, $136 million contract carries a league-record $17 million AAV, the highest NHL contract ever. Yet McDavid chose to remain at the same $12.5 million AAV he has earned since 2017. So, there's this question about whether other contracts played a role.

Judd Moldaver, McDavid’s agent, addressed that topic directly on 100% Hockey. He said Kaprizov’s deal, or any other player’s contract, had no impact on McDavid’s choice.

"No, really, really, yeah, and I'm not giving you some surfacey again, not to be redundant, but I can be good at that," Moldaver said. [21:23 onwards] "Repetition is important, sometimes not at all. Conor McDavid's contract is completely Connor McDavid's contract, and I'm not really paying attention."

Moldaver explained that each negotiation is specific, and he does not compare clients to others. According to Moldaver, Connor McDavid’s deal was shaped only by the goals of McDavid and the Oilers.

"I'm a fan of hockey, and, you know, obviously, I have a pulse for it," Moldaver said. "It's what I do for a living. So I'm not—I don't live under a rock. Certainly, yet I wasn't looking at what anyone else was doing. It didn't matter; Connor was going to do what he was going to do.

"And I don't get affected by what anyone else does, nor do my clients. We live in our own world of one and so not, not at all. Again, it goes back to what I alluded to. Every team is in a different construct."

Edmonton’s roster plans and team trajectory mattered more. The Oilers have reached the last two Stanley Cup Finals, and Connor McDavid wanted a contract that kept the team competitive. So, the focus was on finding a structure that worked for both sides.

However, the Oilers have started the season on a slow note, with a 9-9-4 record due to inconsistent team play. They are facing defensive issues, and goaltending remains a challenge.

Stan Bowman's opinion on Connor McDavid's contract

Edmonton Oilers' GM Stan Bowman said in early October that the $12.5 million number was McDavid’s choice. He explained the Oilers never suggested that amount.

"[The $12.5 million AAV] was what Connor wanted; it’s not like we made a pitch that he should sign for that amount," Bowman said to media after signing McDavid. "We never had those conversations at all, ... he’s such a one-of-a-kind guy, such a tremendous leader and so motivated to try and win. I think that’s a testament of who he is as a person."

The discount showed Connor McDavid’s focus on winning. Bowman praised him for being a strong leader who puts the team first. He also said the deal helps the Oilers build a competitive roster.