Connor Bedard's future salary has entered Mike Babcock's Oilers conversation through a striking 2027-28 cap comparison.
A circulating graphic claims Bedard and Bowen Byram will combine for $27,500,000 that season.
The same graphic places Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard at a combined $23,000,000, leaving a $4,500,000 gap between the 2 pairings.
That comparison has caught attention because it reverses the usual expectation. Edmonton's established stars would cost less than Chicago's younger duo under the figures shown.
The numbers should still be handled carefully. A social-media graphic can simplify contract structures, and the comparison does not explain every detail behind the totals.
But the broader cap question is real. Chicago is building around Bedard, while Edmonton must keep enough support around McDavid and Bouchard to remain competitive.
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New Connor Bedard salary projection has Oilers fans talking this morning
A combined $27,500,000 commitment would place major pressure on Chicago's front office to find affordable depth across the rest of the lineup.
Bedard is the centrepiece, so a massive salary would not be surprising. The harder task would be maintaining scoring support, defensive depth and reliable goaltending around him.
Byram's place in the comparison matters too. A high-end defenceman can absorb major minutes, but another large contract would narrow Chicago's margin for mistakes elsewhere.
Edmonton's reported $23,000,000 total would create a different challenge. Paying less for McDavid and Bouchard only helps if management uses the remaining space wisely.
Babcock would still need dependable wingers, a strong blue line and enough depth to survive injuries and long road trips. Savings at the top don't guarantee a balanced roster.
The comparison also shows how quickly the NHL's salary scale can move. Younger stars are entering negotiations in a market where elite talent commands more every year.
For Oilers fans, the image offers a rare reason for cap optimism. McDavid and Bouchard could look like strong value beside the next wave of major contracts.
For Chicago, the message is less comfortable. Bedard's next deal may define the roster, and every contract around him will matter once that salary begins shaping the Blackhawks' cap structure.
Will Connor Bedard and Bowen Byram be worth more than Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard?
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