Edmonton and the hockey world was rocked by an earthquake of immense proportions yesterday. Connor McDavid, with this year being his last year of his existing contract, signed a two-year extension for the same amount of money that he is making now. His salary for the next two years will be $12.5 million. His teammate, Leon Draisaitl, a few weeks back, signed an eight year contract for $14 million a year. Just a few days ago ago, Minnesota Wild player, Kirill Kaprizov, signed a contract that will pay him $17 million a year

I remember exactly what I was doing and where I was when Edmonton won the draft lottery the year McDavid was available for the draft. I think most Edmonton Oilers fans remember what they were doing, as well. McDavid has lifted a team from its decade of darkness to two Stanley Cup finals in a row. But that’s not enough. He wants the cup and he wants to win it in Edmonton with his Edmonton teammates.

The signing won’t have that much of an effect, this year. The Oilers are already pushing against the salary cap. But with the salary cap projected to rise dramatically next year and the following year, the Oilers will have a lot of salary cap room to play with.

This is now Connor McDavid’s team. It is most likely that he will provide input to general manager, Stan Bowman, as to players that the Oilers could acquire the next two years. McDavid has also set himself up nicely. If the Oilers do not win the cup within the time range of this year or the next two years, oilers fans will not begrudge McDavid leaving for more money. But if the Oilers do win a cup, do not be surprised if McDavid gets partial ownership of the team.

Not everybody is happy with the McDavid signing. Toronto maple leaf fans were crying in their beer last night and in their coffee this morning.

They were absolutely sure that McDavid would be coming to Toronto next year. Sorry, Toronto. Connor is just not that into you.

I occasionally post on Threads. When I do, I get a few likes and a few more views of my post. I did a post last night, celebrating the fact that Connor McDavid signed for the amount that he did. So far, I’ve had almost 500 likes and almost 4000 views. The level of happiness in the Edmonton Oilers fan base, over this signing, is comparable to the day that Edmonton won the draft lottery and would be getting McDavid.

What a great day to be alive.