Stan Bowman, the newly appointed general manager of the Edmonton Oilers, has wasted no time in initiating discussions with Leon Draisaitl’s representatives regarding a contract extension. However, despite the early talks, a deal does not seem to be on the immediate horizon.
In an exclusive interview with NHL.com at the Gretzky Hlinka Cup on Monday, Bowman revealed that he has already had conversations with Draisaitl’s agent, Mike Liut, since assuming his new role with the team. “I had a good conversation [with Liut] and we’re starting things off and the timing on that will be what it will be,” Bowman disclosed. “I don’t have an update of where it’s going to be or the timing on that, but there is nothing negative to report, certainly.”
Draisaitl, a 28-year-old forward, had an impressive season with 41 goals and 106 points in 81 regular-season games, as well as 10 goals and 31 points in the playoffs. Despite his stellar performance, he struggled in the Stanley Cup Final, registering only three assists over the seven-game series.
Since being selected third overall by the Oilers in 2014, Draisaitl has amassed an impressive list of accolades, including the Hart Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, and Ted Lindsay Award, in addition to five NHL All-Star appearances. With 347 goals and 850 points in 719 career NHL games, Draisaitl has established himself as a top talent in the league.
Bowman emphasized the importance of securing Draisaitl’s future with the team, stating in a press conference that extending the star player was a “top priority” for him upon joining the organization. However, the GM also faces the immediate task of negotiating new contracts for restricted free agents Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway.
Looking ahead, the Oilers will also need to address captain Connor McDavid’s contract situation, as he will be eligible to sign a new deal next summer. With the core of the team’s roster up for renewal, Bowman stressed the significance of retaining key players like Draisaitl and McDavid for the team’s long-term success.
“Leon is a super-talented player, a huge part of what we’re doing, and he has been and will be for some time and that hasn’t changed at all,” Bowman noted. “I think it’s really hard to find stars in the NHL, so when you have them, the goal is to keep them. The same thing with Connor. Those guys are a huge reason the team’s had a successful run so far, and they will be a big part of the future too.”
As Draisaitl enters the final year of his current contract with a cap hit of $8.5 million, and McDavid has two years remaining at a cap hit of $12.5 million, the Oilers will need to navigate the challenges of securing their star players for the seasons to come.