The Edmonton Oilers have signed star forward Leon Draisaitl to a historic contract, the team announced on Tuesday. Drasaitl and the Oilers have agreed to an eight-year contract extension worth a total of $112 million.
Draisaitl’s contract, which begins in the 2025-26 season, carries an average annual value of $14 million. That’s the highest number in NHL history, beating Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews‘ previous high of $13.25 million.
Connor McDavid, the other half of the dynamic duo in Edmonton, carries a $12.5 million cap hit. It’s fair to expect McDavid to top Draisaitl’s number when his contract is up after the 2025-26 season.
There should be no question about whether Draisaitl is worth this mega contract because he has consistently proven himself to be an elite offensive weapon since breaking out in 2015-16. The former No. 3 overall pick has really elevated his game over the last six seasons as well.
Since the 2018-19 season, here is where Draisaitl ranks at or near the top of the league in every offensive category.
| NHL Rank | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Goals |
272 |
2nd |
|
Assists |
371 |
3rd |
|
Points |
643 |
2nd |
|
PP Goals |
124 |
1st |
|
PP Points |
247 |
2nd |
It should be noted that Draisaitl’s 124 power play goals in that span are 40 more than the next closest player, Steven Stamkos. Draisaitl’s ability to plant himself along the goal line and rip pinpoint accurate one-timers from bad angles have made him into a force of nature on the man advantage.
Now, Draisaitl and the Oilers will be able to turn their focus toward winning a Stanley Cup after coming painfully close in 2023-24. Drasaitl contributed 10 goals and 21 assists throughout Edmonton’s run, but the team fell to the Florida Panthers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Since then, the Oilers have made notable additions like Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson as they gear up to take another gigantic swing, and Draisaitl will be leading the way for the foreseeable future.
The Edmonton Oilers made a significant move to secure the future of their franchise by signing star forward Leon Draisaitl to an eight-year contract extension. The deal, reportedly worth $68 million, solidifies Draisaitl as a cornerstone of the team for years to come.
Draisaitl, a 26-year-old native of Germany, has been a key player for the Oilers since being drafted third overall in the 2014 NHL Draft. He has consistently been one of the team’s top scorers and playmakers, forming a dynamic duo with captain Connor McDavid.
The contract extension is not only a testament to Draisaitl’s skill and talent on the ice but also to his importance to the Oilers organization. General Manager Ken Holland expressed his excitement about locking up Draisaitl long-term, stating that he is a key part of the team’s core and future success.
Draisaitl’s new contract puts him among the highest-paid players in the NHL, reflecting his status as one of the league’s elite talents. His combination of size, skill, and hockey IQ make him a valuable asset for the Oilers and a player that fans can look forward to watching for years to come.
With Draisaitl now signed long-term, the Oilers can focus on building a competitive team around him and McDavid. The duo has the potential to lead the team to success in the coming seasons, and fans are eager to see what they can accomplish together.
Overall, Draisaitl’s contract extension is a significant moment for the Oilers and their fans. It solidifies their commitment to building a winning team and ensures that one of their top players will be with the organization for the foreseeable future.
