Paul Bissonnette names new Core 4 for Oilers if Connor McDavid re-signs with Edmonton

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid could become the centerpiece of the “new Core Four,” according to Paul Bissonnette.

During Friday's episode of the "Spittin’ Chiclets Podcast," Bissonnette went off the rails, declaring that if McDavid re-signs with the Oilers, the club will have its own Core Four.

Bissonnette stated

“You know what's going to happen if McDavid does sign? He's going to get 18 and a half million, and between Bouchard, Draisaitl, Darnell Nurse and Connor McDavid. Ladies and gentlemen, your new core four.”

Bissonnette’s argument focuses on the combined cap hit the Oilers’ Core Four will make. He explained:

“Quick math: other than next year with McDavid only making 12.5, I believe we can get the amount of money that 18.5, 18.5, 14, 9.5 and 10 through Bouchard. Add that up and divide it by what the cap will be in a year."

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Bissonnette’s claim stems from the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Core Four, which gobbled up more than half of the team’s salary cap allotment.

Considering that Leon Draisaitl will enter the first year of his new contract with a $14 million average annual value (AAV), and RFA Evan Bouchard is estimated to earn around $10 million AAV per season, the Oilers could have as much as $56 million tied up in four players by 2027.

Connor McDavid Oilers’ No. 1 priority

Oilers GM Stan Bowman will be hard at work trying to re-sign McDavid - Source: Imagn

Connor McDavid set off an online firestorm after he declared that he was in no rush to re-sign with the Oilers this offseason.

The comments have fueled speculation regarding McDavid’s potential departure from Oil Country.

But as Oilers GM Stan Bowman declared, re-signing McDavid is atop their list.

Bowman said (per Edmonton Journal):

“Well, Connor’s the best player in the league, most important player in the league. He’s our captain. He’s our leader. So certainly he’s the No. 1 priority.”

Bowman was adamant about pushing the negotiation process forward but also acknowledged that McDavid and the team have just ended a tough season. That’s why Bowman is respectful of McDavid’s timing.

“It’s my job, to connect with Connor that way and demonstrate that that’s what we’re all trying to do,” Bowman said.

While Oilers fans would love nothing more than a contract extension to be done, they will have to wait a bit longer. Fans can rest assured the Oilers will do everything they can to get a deal done sooner rather than later.

About the author

Nestor is an NHL and MLB writer at Sportskeeda with over 10 years of experience. Growing up in Toronto, he became an avid Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan, but also admires the New York Islanders and Los Angeles Dodgers for their dominance in the 80s. Holding an Economics and Education major, Nestor’s passion for writing and sporting events led him to take up reporting about the sport professionally.

Nestor credits the Leafs’ playoff runs in the early '90s as having a lasting impact on him. His favorite players are Doug Gilmour and Mike Bossy, as he feels they were tough, talented leaders, while Pat Burns is his favorite coach of all time for always preaching a fast-paced game.

Growing up in Canada, it was natural for Nestor to become interested in ice hockey and he played Minor Hockey as a teenager, which has given him a unique perspective on the sport. Nestor has mastered the art of how to best present facts and he also has a knack for knowing which sources can be trusted, and which can't for stories.

When he is not writing about Canada’s national passion, Nestor enjoys running and hiking.

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Edited by Nestor Quixtan

Paul Bissonnette names new Core 4 for Oilers if Connor McDavid re-signs with Edmonton - "He's gonna get $18.5M"

Connor McDavid Oilers’ No. 1 priority