McDavid deal could forever alter free-agent market

This summer, Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid and Buffalo Sabres forward Jack Eichel have a chance to change the marketplace for young restricted free agents

Though their entry-level contracts won't expire until after the 2017-18 season, they can agree to extensions starting July 1. By all indications both players -- McDavid especially -- will be offered massive raises off their ELCs to a level that hasn't been seen in the current collective bargaining agreement.

"If you're just doing a pure marketplace analysis, you'd have to say (McDavid) should be slotted with the highest paid players in the game," a player agent said. "McDavid and Eichel and (Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston…