On Tuesday, the Edmonton Oilers announced Leon Draisaitl's new eight-year, $112 million extension. The new extension begins next year and carries an AAV of $14 million.
NHL News: Edmonton Oilers Extend Leon Draisaitl to Eight Years
It was the intention of new general manager Stan Bowman to make a deal with Draisaitl before the start of training camp. However, there was a lot of uncertainty for Draisaitl and the Oilers as he entered the final year of the eight-year deal he signed back in 2017.
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Leon Draisaitl Signs New Deal in Edmonton #letsgooilers pic.twitter.com/4PPLSuQuNf
— Jim Biringer (@JimBiringer) September 3, 2024
The Edmonton Oilers came close to winning the Stanley Cup, falling to the Florida Panthers in Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. Their moves in the off-season are looking for another game with this team.
As TSN's Edmonton Bureau Chief explained, Leon Draisaitl's new eight-year extension shows his willingness not to take a big contract and his commitment to winning with the Oilers.
Writing for NHLRumors.com
Are the Edmonton Oilers the better team this season?
Ryan Rishaug: “Over the past four seasons, Leon Draisaitl, one of the NHL's longest-tenured stars, is second in total points, behind only Connor McDavid and second only in goals, behind Austin Matthews. He also proved to be one of the most consistent and efficient playoff scorers in the history of the game.
Therefore, it is not surprising to me that this agreement comes to $ 14 million. To me, that number actually means Draisaitl is leaving some money on the table. I think there would have been a lot more available to him in free agency if he had passed the final year of his contract and gone to free agency next year.
But Draisaitl clearly wants to win. They were so close to winning here in Edmonton, and by making this deal at this dollar amount, it says to me, Draisaitl believes he can win in Edmonton and wants desperately to try to do that, leaving room for the big deals the Oilers have to complete over the next few seasons in Evan Bouchard and Connor McDavid .
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Now, Connor McDavid's interview will be interesting. Draisaitl made it clear at the beginning of last season that he and McDavid and their extensions will be completely separated, that one has nothing to do with the other. But I think everyone understands the relationship here and the idea that Draisaitl and McDavid aren't going to have some conversations about what the future looks like.
That sounds hard to believe. So I think it's safe to assume that by signing another eight years, it's a good sign in terms of the Oilers' willingness and desire to extend Connor McDavid this time next year. These two are great friends off the ice, and we are so close to winning this year, the organization has given them what they need to try to become Stanley Cup Champions.
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Put them in a position to try and win Stanley Cups when it comes to star players as an organization, that's what you have to do. You have to give them the tools they need to build their legacy and the Edmonton Oilers over the past number of years have clearly done that, as evidenced by how close they are this year.
So $112 million over eight years. $14 million AAV. Leon Draisaitl's bad extension is the worst day for this organization to end. “
Let's see if the Edmonton Oilers and Leon Draisaitl can return to the finals. They are among the favorites to do so.
What a historic day for the Oilers and Draisaitl. Next up are Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard.
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