Quoting: Jacketsman61
The math doesn’t work out. Edm while talented has not been able to win in the playoffs. The depth is not there. Teams that win cups have depth. Edm doesn’t have it. And you think McDavid is only getting a 2 mil raise?? Get real. This guy knows his value and teams will be lining up to sign him. Same thing for Draisaitl. The Canadian dollar is a huge issue here. He is likely signing his last big contract. He will want to make his money considering he signed at a steal for Edm on this last contract.
First, I used your numbers - you were the one that suggested a $2.5M raise for both McDavid and Draisaitl. Here:
Quoting: Jacketsman61
... pay Draisaitl around 11+ mil and give a hefty increase to McDavid, who on the open market, could garner at least 15 to 16 mil per?
Second, all NHL contracts are paid in US dollars, so the Canadian dollar is not any issue whatsoever.
Third, Draisaitl didn't sign "at a steal", he got paid MORE than his closest comp (Pastrnak) at the time. It only appears to be a steal because he developed into the second best player in the world after he signed that deal.
Fourth, McDavid took less money on his last contract as a favor to the team. I fully expect him to take less than he would get on the open market again.
Fifth, the Oilers have won in the playoffs, they went to the division finals last year and the Conference finals the year before, both times losing only to the eventual Stanley Cup champions. The Knights openly said last year that the Oilers were their toughest opponent. And they only beat them by illegally axe chopping Draisaitl's arm.