This in from Bob Stauffer of the Edmonton Oilers: “Today is going to be a good day in Oil Country.”
Moments later the Edmonton Oilers posted the news that Draisaitl had signed for eight years at $14 million.
Draisaitl and Oilers GM Stan Bowman will hold a media conference via zoom at 11:30am MT, reported David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period.
In a press release, Bowman said, “This is an historic day for the Edmonton Oilers. Leon’s commitment to our team, our city and Oilers fans everywhere cannot be overstated. 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 contract is the NHL’s richest to date. It’s a huge win for Draisaitl. It’s a fitting amount for a player of his high stature.
As Stauffer posted on Draisaitl:
“Since the start of his current 8-year deal in 2017 Leon Draisaitl ranks:
Points: 713 (2nd)
Goals: 297 (2nd)
PPG: 130 (1st)
GWG: 53 (4th)
In the last 3 Playoff seasons Leon ranks:
Points: 81 (2nd)
Goals: 30 (T-1st)
Assists: 51 (2nd)
PPG: 15 (1st)”
The contract is excellent news for the Oilers in that they’ve indeed locked in such a great player. At the same time, it does nothing to improve Edmonton’s already difficult cap situation. Unless and until the overall salary cap shoots up dramatically, Edmonton will face a huge challenge to find cap space to sign other top players.
For the Oilers to win Stanley Cups, Bowman will have to work minor miracles bringing in veteran players on bargain contracts. That’s the reality of competing for the Cup in a salary cap world.
In terms of percentage of the salary cap taken in relation to the NHL’s salary cap when the contract was signed, Draisaitl’s new deal is 15.9 per cent of the cap, as high as Auston Matthews’ 15.87 per cent on his new five year deal. Of course, had he gone to free agency next summer, Draisaitl could likely have gotten much more to sign in another city.
Rumours of the signing had been heavy on Monday evening, including this from the 2 Mutts Podcast, who broke things wide open: “We are hearing that Leon Draisaitl could sign as early as tomorrow, there’s a possibility it could come in around 8 years/$14M AAV. Originally we thought it could be around $13.5M AAV as we know things change & everything we are hearing is that this deal should get done this week. Let’s see how this all plays out.”
As news spread fast on social media, the hockey world reacted:
The Athletic’s Dom Luszczyszyn
Leon Draisaitl, one of the best players in the world, is now the league’s highest paid player. A $900K overpay is more than fine for a player who has been one of the league’s best values over the last eight years.
Spittin’ Chiclets commentator Ryan Whitney
Leon Draisaitl ain’t going anywhere. What a morning in Oil Country. Elliotte reporting 8 years around 14 million per and this means Connor will be an Oiler for life as well. The parade in downtown Edmonton will be stuff of legends.
Oilers fan Shauna @SLShockeyfan
Today we dance!!!!
Oilers fan Stan Gilbert @Snideguy
Today is a great day
Hockey stats analyst JFresh
Leon Draisaitl, extended 8x$14M by EDM, is an elite offensive forward whose combination of dominant passing skill and finishing touch makes him one of the most impactful players in hockey. A superb puck carrier with underrated speed and hands as well.
The Cult of Hockey’s Kurt Leavins @KurtLeavins
When Draisaitl signed his existing deal, I commented “finally, the Oilers are holding onto their best players” & was attacked by many for applauding “such a bad contract”. Where are they now? Edmonton once again proves it has become a magnet for elite players.
Oilers fan Rob Farmer @robfarmeryeg
Growing up in an era where all the top players left for more money this feels really good.
Oilers fan Sumit Tripathi @Sumit_Tripathi_
I would rather we slightly overpay Draisaitl than Broberg
Oilers fan Mathew Panchyshyn
Imho, no discount was taken. No discount was taken when he signed for 8.5m, either. This is a very heavy contract for a player who’s going to be mid-30s when it expires. For a top 5 NHL player, I’d say that’s probably fair.
Oilers fan Rob Soria @Oil_Drop
Completely fine with this and l know some don’t want to hear it but even at this number, Draisaitl left money on the table. For me, anything under $14M always seemed farfetched.
Oilers fan Shaedon @Shae_Nuge93
Leon Draisaitl is an Oiler for life. Where is everyone saying Leon wouldn’t sign here 🤣
Daily Faceoff writer Steven Ellis
So, what is Connor McDavid going to get on his next deal?
Oilers fan RG3 @rascalgas
How much do you think Draisaitl would have received if he hit the open market next year as a free agent?… Armchair GMs always think they can do better. It’s their nature.
Hall of Fame hockey writer Terry Jones
A lot of fans got their shorts in a knot worrying, but signing of Leon Draisaitl was a lock. Eight-year extension beginning in 2025-26 with an average annual value of $14 million. Connor McDavid also a lock at this time next year. Dynamic Duo for the duration. Edmonton blessed.
The Athletic’s Daniel Nugent-Bowman
The sticker shock is real; Draisaitl will be the highest paid player in the NHL (until McDavid signs). However, the deal extends the Oilers’ contention window a bit longer.
Edmonton Journal writer Jim Matheson @jimmathesonnhl
With Draisaitl extension at AAV of $14m for eight years fans can breathe easy. He is all in for Stanley Cup run. Katz was always going to buck up for one of top 10 players in world…First piece of Oiler business with Draisaitl extension. Next up Bouchard who has 49 points in his last 37 playoff games. He might get $10m AAV in his extension.
ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski
This Draisaitl contract has deprived us of so many months of “Bruins are keeping 1C open for Leon” speculation and fans tracking the Sharks owner’s private plane. 😔
Hockey stats analyst Corey Sznajder
Might be the best passer in the history of the dataset when you combine everything together. Crosby might have a leg up in him from the 2016-19 years though…I don’t know how many three-time 50 goal scorers are better passers than they are shooters. Drai is while looking like he’s intentionally playing with the wrong-handed stick with an untaped canoe paddle as a blade.
Oilers fan Petroleros @YEGBurrito
Oh today is going to be joyous. Just watching Oilers haters come up with different angles being forced to move on from “Leon can’t wait to leave Edmonton”
Cult of Hockey special correspondent Ira Copper
That’s high end 4-5 year term money for an 8-year term that has three post 35 years… That is not a discount at all.
Hockey stats analyst Micah Blake McCurdy @IneffectiveMath
Leon Draisaitl (signed forever for infinity dollars, EDM) is extraordinary at every offensive facet of the game, average at everything else. An extremely pure sort of hockey player.
World Hockey Report @worldhockeyrpt
You’re a moron if you think $14M is too high for Draisaitl
Las Vegas hockey writer Chris Gawlik
Damn’d if you do, damn’d if you don’t
TSN’s Ryan Rishaug
To me, this deal signifies a willingness by Draisaitl to do a reasonable deal, certainly not maxing out what would have been out there in free agency. A massive piece locked in for 8 years, and have to think this helps considerably with the McDavid extension this time next summer.
Hockey insider Pierre LeBrun
Draisaitl contract front-loaded, includes full no-move clause throughout. Both sides agreed to the bigger parts of this deal late last week. Some finishing touches over the weekend. Draisaitl made sure to get a lot of information this summer en route to this massive decision. Wants to win in Edmonton.
Hockey scout Dan Tencer
This was an easy one. As a fan, thrilled to see this. A bona fide Hall of Fame level player signing multiple extensions to finish his career in Edmonton. That’s rare and wonderful.
Oilers fan Denny Sawchuk @Denny_Sawchuk
Maple Laugh fans will take this signing as an indication that McDavid will not sign back in Edmonton when it is obviously the exact opposite
Staples on politics
Premier Smith doubles down on bid to end AHS near monopoly on running hospitals
At the Cult of Hockey
STAPLES: “It was weird the way they handled it”: Dylan Holloway criticizes Edmonton Oilers negotiating tactics. Hmm
McCURDY: Can big winger finally make it on Oilers?
LEAVINS: 9 Things: When is the best time for the Oilers to move on a Top 4 d-man? Now or later?
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