TORONTO - Connor McDavid left a bag of money on the table this week.

The superstar centre signed a two-year, US$25-million contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers through 2027-28 after weighing his options all summer and through most of training camp.

There's no doubt McDavid could have pressed and squeezed the organization — the $12.5-million salary cap hit isn't a penny more than the current deal he signed eight years ago and runs through this season.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said that, while the figure is "a lot of money by any standard," the decision says a lot about the player's desire to finally hoist the Stanley Cup.

"It's a testament to Connor's passion for the game and his commitment to Edmonton," Bettman said Wednesday at Scotiabank Arena before the Toronto Maple Lea

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