The Shocking Number It'll Take for McDavid to Stay in Edmonton Revealed by Insider

The Edmonton Oilers have some big decisions to make in the near future, but after re-signing both Evan Bouchard and Leon Draisaitl over the past 12 months, there's no bigger call for them to make than the future of captain Connor McDavid.

Overwhelmingly, the expectation is that their long-time star will remain in Edmonton for the foreseeable future, with many believing that he'll sign an extension before the 2025/26 campaign begins as a top Insider has set the timeline for McDavid's extension.

While that still remains the expectation, Insider David Pagnotta has now opened up on an extension for No. 97, and while Pagnotta believes he'll stay, he's revealed the hefty contract that it will take for Stan Bowman to make it happen.

According to Pagnotta, the deal will likely be between 4 and 5 years, and to make it happen, the Oilers may need to pay him upwards of $17 million a season, significantly surpassing the highest AAV on a contract currently in the NHL.

With 100 points or more in five straight seasons as well as eight out of his past nine, it's clear that McDavid is the best player in the National Hockey League, and while he may show loyalty to Edmonton if he remains, the team will still need to pay him like the best player in the league.

Ultimately, this is the prime time for McDavid to get a big time deal, as he's not yet 30 and is coming off an incredible five year stretch as the best player in the world, and while he wants to be loyal, we will see just how much the Oilers reciprocate that.