Connor McDavid's impending contract renewal looms large over the Edmonton Oilers, with analysts warning of potential salary cap pitfalls. If McDavid signs for a projected $18.5 million annually, the Oilers may mirror the Toronto Maple Leafs' costly strategy, committing a staggering 53.8% of their salary cap to just four players: McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Darnell Nurse, and Evan Bouchard. This precarious balance raises concerns about team depth and future roster decisions.

Former NHL player Paul Bissonnette highlighted the risk of a top-heavy roster, suggesting that the Oilers could end up sacrificing necessary depth, much like the Maple Leafs have done. The Oilers, despite their success in reaching the finals, may face challenges replicating their current performance if they allocate such a significant portion of their cap to a mere four players.