According to Boudreau, McDavid could easily get an eight-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $15 million. While this might not be a groundbreaking figure in the world of sports, it's a big deal in the NHL.
In the 2022-23 season, Jack Eichel became the first player to win the Stanley Cup with a salary of over $10 million. This has led some to speculate that McDavid and Draisaitl might be next, especially with the way the salary cap is changing.
The NHL's growth means that players are earning more and more. Even if McDavid signs for $15 million per year, there are rising stars in the league who could soon earn even more, showing how player contracts in the NHL are evolving.