It’s rare to see a superstar athlete willingly give up millions for the sake of team success. Yet that’s precisely what Connor McDavid did — and the hockey world is still talking about it. When the Edmonton Oilers captain agreed to a two-year, $25 million contract extension, the move not only surprised analysts but also sent a powerful message about leadership and loyalty.

McDavid’s new deal — worth $12.5 million annually — effectively makes him the second-highest-paid player on his own team, behind Leon Draisaitl. That decision gives the Oilers critical salary cap flexibility heading into the 2026–27 and 2027–28 seasons, a window in which they’re expected to remain Stanley Cup contenders.

Still, such a move naturally raised questions. Would other stars follow suit, sacrificing a higher

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