In a league where contracts are getting bigger and bigger, the Edmonton Oilers have made a major statement by signing forward Leon Draisaitl to an eight-year, $112 million contract extension. The deal, which will carry an average annual value of $14 million, solidifies Draisaitl’s place as one of the highest-paid players in the NHL.
Draisaitl, who was entering the final season of his deal at a cap hit of $8.5 million, now becomes the league’s highest-paid player once the contract kicks in next summer. This move puts him ahead of Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews, whose four-year deal carries an AAV of $13.25 million.
TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun reports that the deal is front-loaded and includes a full no-move clause throughout all eight seasons. This shows the commitment that the Oilers have to Draisaitl and their belief in his abilities on and off the ice.
Throughout his career, Draisaitl has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with. He has won the Hart Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, and Ted Lindsay Award, along with earning five NHL All-Star nods. With 347 goals and 850 points in 719 career NHL games, Draisaitl has established himself as one of the top players in the league.
General manager Stan Bowman spoke highly of Draisaitl, calling him a key part of the team’s future success. “Leon’s commitment to our team, our city, and Oilers fans everywhere cannot be overstated,” Bowman said. “His desire to help bring a Stanley Cup title home to Edmonton is central to everything he does both on and off the ice.”
The deal comes after Bowman had opened talks with Draisaitl’s camp, emphasizing that extending the forward was a top priority for the team. With another key negotiation looming next summer when team captain Connor McDavid becomes eligible to sign an extension, locking in Draisaitl now ensures the Oilers’ core remains intact for the foreseeable future.
Bowman emphasized the importance of retaining star players like Draisaitl and McDavid, stating, “I think it’s really hard to find stars in the NHL, so when you have them, the goal is to keep them.” With Draisaitl’s contract extension, the Oilers have made it clear that they are serious about building a championship-caliber team around their star players.
