With the NHL’s salary cap projected to rise significantly over the next three seasons, speculation is already swirling about what Connor McDavid’s next contract could look like.

This fall, the Oilers played centres Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl an average of 22 minutes per game from October through December. It was a slight increase in usage compared to the same period in the previous season. That’s a lot of hockey, which brings worry over fatigue and lower performance levels as the team chugs toward the postseason.