The NHL landscape shifted dramatically this week as the Minnesota Wild shattered records with Kirill Kaprizov’s jaw-dropping $136-million contract extension.

While the hockey world buzzes over the implications of this historic deal, a new and tantalizing question emerges: what does this mean for the Toronto Maple Leafs’ pursuit of Connor McDavid?

With rumors swirling about McDavid’s future and his emotional ties to Toronto, the possibility of hockey’s brightest star donning the blue and white is suddenly more realistic—and more complicated—than ever before.

But behind the scenes, financial realities loom large. Kaprizov’s mega-deal has set a precedent that could redefine the market for generational talents, and McDavid’s next contract is poised to smash every expectation.

Can Toronto truly afford to bring home the world’s top player, or will the cost prove insurmountable even with their enviable cap space?

As Brad Treliving quietly positions the Leafs for a blockbuster move, the stakes have never been higher. What will it take to turn McDavid’s childhood dream into reality, and could Kaprizov’s contract be the key—or the barrier? The answers are more surprising than you think. Dive deeper to uncover the twists, turns, and high-stakes drama behind hockey’s biggest potential signing.

Photo credit: Hockey Patrol

After signing a historic and groundbreaking $136-million contract extension, Kirill Kaprizov’s deal sets the precedent if Toronto intended to sign Connor McDavid.

In a historic deal on Tuesday on Tuesday, the Minnesota Wild locked up forward Kirill Kaprizov for the next eight years at the staggering total of $136-million which equates to an unreal $17-million annual salary.

It’s by far the largest deal in NHL history and it is surely going to create a domino effect for future free agents who are going to no doubt have some reservations about re-signing in the hopes of chasing the bag in free agency.

McDavid’s Lack Of Commitment Leaves Door Open For Maple Leafs

The biggest name on that potential list is Connor McDavid, the world’s top player and a once in a lifetime generational talent who hasn’t seemed to win the big one even if he has gotten as close as can be.

Non-committal to Edmonton thus far, the rumors around McDavid leaving for another destination at once seemed ridiculous but now have an air of reality to it.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are the team most heavily linked to the superstar, and with his deep personal connection to the team, it seems like they have as good a shot as any when it comes to the emotional standpoint.

But financially it might be a whole different story, as we can gather exactly what it might cost to bring him aboard and boy, it’s not cheap.

How Kaprizov’s Mega Deal Impacts the Maple Leafs’ McDavid Dream

Gauging the type of player Kaprizov is, and the type of player McDavid is would be comparing apples to rocket fuel; it’s inconceivable. Which is why it’s hard to narrow down an exact figure because he’s just so valuable.

It wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility to see McDavid sign for $20-million a season, and while that would equate to an astounding $160-million contract, you’re getting the world’s top player so at what point is price not an issue?

There was also inklings of McDavid signing for only $14-million or so for a couple of years before testing the market again however if he’s signing in Toronto there is no way they are going to sign him for less than six years.

Why Brad Treliving’s $24M Cap Space Could Be Key for a McDavid Run

McDavid has been absolutely incredible since being drafted first overall in 2015. In only 718 games he’s posted 1,082 points (361 goals, 721 assists) including an insane 153-point season in 2022-23.

He is a 3x Hart winner, 5x Ross winner, 4x Pearson winner, 1x Rocket Richard winner, 1x Conn Smythe winner, 7x All-Star, and was selected to the 2015-16 All-Rookie Team.

For that type of production it’s going to cost an insane amount of money, and while Toronto has more than enough cap next year to pay McDavid to the tune of $17-million much like Kaprizov, is that even going to be nearly enough for the greatest player in the world?

The team is in a very good spot financially next season with only a handful of small contracts to replace, and their entire core up front, at the back and in the crease are all locked up.

That leaves a lot of room for Brad Treliving to field an offer to Connor McDavid to come back home, and turn what was once a childhood dream into a reality.