The Edmonton Oilers are causing quite the stir in the hockey world today, and unfortunately, it seems that the news is not all positive. We previously provided an update back in early July regarding the status of Leon Draisaitl’s contract extension with the club. Now, as the timeline that the superstar centre had mentioned is quickly approaching, it’s time to delve into the details that we have available.
Looking at it from the perspective of an Oilers fan, and considering the fact that Draisaitl is still under contract for the upcoming season at $8.5 million, things may not be as dire as they seem on the surface.
However, there seems to be some hesitation among Oilers fans to get too excited. Back in early July, when these rumours first surfaced, there was a deadline mentioned by Draisaitl’s agent. As they stated, “So, it is now that time.” But realistically, that timeline was likely set to be before the start of training camp. In truth, Draisaitl and the Oilers have the entire 2024-25 season to work out a deal. It’s only after the season ends that Draisaitl, as a pending unrestricted free agent, will have the opportunity to explore the open market. This gives general manager Stan Bowman more time to maneuver the roster to accommodate Draisaitl’s hefty price tag.
The main issue at hand seems to be the financial aspect. As insider Seravalli pointed out, the rumored annual average value for Draisaitl’s new contract is around $13-14 million. This poses a challenge for the Oilers, who are already operating at the salary cap limit. While there are a few other UFAs whose contracts will be coming off the books, the question remains whether it will be enough to afford Draisaitl’s new deal. Additionally, the Oilers will need to address the re-signing of restricted free agent Evan Bouchard next year, who is also expected to command a substantial raise.
With so many uncertainties looming, the ongoing contract negotiations with Draisaitl could prove to be a distraction for a team that views itself as a Stanley Cup contender in the upcoming season. The Evander Kane situation adds another layer of complexity to the decision-making process, as his hefty contract plays a role in the financial considerations. However, there is a silver lining in the fact that the salary cap is projected to increase, potentially providing the Oilers with some additional flexibility to lock in Draisaitl (and, down the line, Bouchard as well).
As the rumours swirl and the clock ticks closer to the supposed deadline, only time will tell how the negotiations will unfold for Leon Draisaitl and the Edmonton Oilers.
