Who Will Make $20 Million in the NHL? Expert Backs McDavid

Following recent massive extensions across the league—including Macklin Celebrini signing a 5-year deal worth 18.8 million dollars annually with the San Jose Sharks—market dynamics and a rising salary cap have placed the 20 million dollar threshold within immediate reach ahead of his upcoming free agency.

The Shift Toward a 20 Million Dollar Contract in the NHL

Recent market adjustments have fundamentally rewritten the financial landscape of the NHL. San Jose pushed the boundaries by locking in 20-year-old Macklin Celebrini at an annual value of 18.8 million dollars, eclipsing a previous high-water mark set by Leo Carlsson in Anaheim at 18 million dollars annually. According to Adam Proteau, the conversation has shifted from whether a player will cross the 20 million dollar mark under the salary cap to who will reach it first. Proteau identifies Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid as the prime candidate to secure a deal worth 200 million dollars over eight years when he enters free agency in 2028.

Why Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes Will Likely Stay Under the Threshold

While elite defensemen Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche and Quinn Hughes of the Minnesota Wild are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents in 2027, Adam Proteau predicts neither will break the 20 million dollar barrier. Makar has historically prioritized team flexibility, following a pattern set by teammate Nathan MacKinnon to keep cap space open for a competitive roster. Similarly, Proteau notes that Quinn Hughes faces decisions regarding potential family ties—such as playing alongside brothers Jack Hughes and Luke Hughes with the New Jersey Devils—which would likely require a below-maximum cap hit to fit multiple star salaries under a single roster limit.

McDavid’s Pending Free Agency and Pressure on Edmonton

Connor McDavid is currently playing out a two-year contract with a salary of 12.5 million dollars annually, representing a significant discount relative to his absolute dominance on the ice. Adam Proteau points out that no other major professional sport features its undisputed best player operating on such a team-friendly discount for this length of time. When his current deal expires in 2028, market realities will demand a compensation package matching his status. Beyond team management, the NHLPA and player agents are expected to exert strong pressure to ensure the league’s central superstar commands full market value.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Connor McDavid become a free agent?

Connor McDavid is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2028, upon the conclusion of his current two-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers.

Why do analysts expect Connor McDavid to hit a 20 million dollar salary?

According to Adam Proteau, rising salary caps and recent high-end comparables—such as Macklin Celebrini’s 18.8 million dollars annually deal in San Jose—establish a clear trajectory toward a 200 million dollars over eight years contract for the league’s top performer.

Will Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes test the 20 million dollar market?

Both defensemen are projected to command massive raises when they reach free agency in 2027, but analysts suggest both will accept slightly lower figures to maintain team competitiveness and accommodate roster building.