Connor McDavid's projected $200M deal raises the stakes for Auston Matthews in 2028

Paul Bissonnette thinks Connor McDavid will make $200-million and if he's right, that means Auston Matthews won't be far behind in 2028.

The topic of Connor McDavid's future in Edmonton is one that is a hotly debated one to say the least. He essentially gave them two years to figure it out, and with last season being a failure - he could want out.

Or if you're to believe Bob Stauffer, McDavid is staying in town for the next half-decade or more. So really, it's anyone's guess as to what's going to happen. What we do know though is that the superstar forward and undisputed best player in the world is going to get paid handsomely whenever he signs his next deal.

Whether that be in Edmonton or elsewhere, there's no doubt that he's going to crush Leo Carlsson's AAV and get himself into the $20-million+ range per year.

McDavid's projected new deal shows just how quickly the NHL contract landscape has changed

If that's the case, then he's going to make obscene amounts of money unseen in the history of the NHL, and one bold take from Paul Bissonnette shows just how crazy it could be.

On the latest Spittin' Chiclets episode, Bissonnette threw his hat behind a massive offer for McDavid, and one that could really set the mark for NHL contracts - and it'll be $200-million after all is said and done:

I think McDavid could get a $200-million deal. 8 x $25M. All signing bonus.

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It isn't really surprising to see him getting projections that high. McDavid has been the best player in the world for quite some time.

The 29-year-old has an astounding 1,220 points in only 794 games (1.54 PPG) with six straight 100-point+ seasons. He's won three MVP's, led the league in scoring six times, is a Richard Trophy winner, and will go down as one of the greatest ever when it's said and done.

Like, $20-million seems low for that kind of production and Bissonnette's projected $200-million salary isn't exactly a huge overpayment when you're literally getting the best player imaginable.

McDavid's projected deal could cause a ripple effect that directly affects Auston Matthews

But there's another premium free agent in 2028 who needs a new deal - Auston Matthews.

The Maple Leafs captain has struggled the past couple of seasons but numerous injuries and several changes have caused him to take a step back. But now healthy and focused on winning, he's going to also be looking for top dollar come his next deal.

For all his struggles, Matthews is still one of, if not the best pure scorer in the NHL.

From 2019-2020 to 2023-24, he had 257 goals in 350 games which included two 60-goal seasons. He scored the most goals in a season since Mario Lemieux in 2023-24 and is one of the only players who has the talent and time to try and catch Alex Ovechkin's goal record.

Matthews knows his value and he's no doubt going to be looking for at least more than Carlsson which means you're looking at $20-million to start. Given he can only sign a seven-year deal, the team would be paying him $140-million combined which is no small chunk of change, and for the captain he'll never have to worry about a contract again.

Toronto has to be prepared to move on without him too, as there's a chance the changes they made this offseason and beyond aren't enough to win, and he's going to walk. But they also have to be prepared to pay him handsomely if the team does succeed and he's a big part.

It may also cost them some serious game-changers come the next couple of free agency periods so they best tread carefully and pray that if they succeed - the captain is willing to take a bit of a discount.

Don't hold your breath though.

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