Leon Draisaitl’s Multi-Million Dollar Extension with Edmonton Oilers: A Game Changer

Recently, the hockey world was abuzz with the news that Leon Draisaitl has committed to the Edmonton Oilers by signing a substantial eight-year extension valued at a remarkable $112 million. This new deal will see Draisaitl’s salary cap hit reach an impressive $14 million next season, positioning him as the highest-paid player in the NHL based on average annual value (AAV). This significant financial commitment underscores the Oilers’ confidence in Draisaitl’s abilities and their vision for the team’s future success.

However, a critical question looms: does this contract represent the best alignment of interests for both the player and the organization? The intricacies of such a deal often influence team dynamics and playoff aspirations.

In a recent discussion on Sportsnet’s Sports Central, Elliotte Friedman joined host Evanka Osmak to analyze the implications of Draisaitl’s extension with the Oilers. Friedman emphasized that the agreement strikes a perfect balance, benefiting both the franchise and the star player.

NHL News: Edmonton Oilers Secure Leon Draisaitl with an Eight-Year Extension

NHLRumors.com Transcription

Evanka Osmak: “It’s always a pleasure to have Elliotte Friedman, our Sportsnet NHL Insider, join us today. Elliott, the Oilers have offered Draisaitl the largest average annual value in NHL history at $14 million. Let’s play the Goldilocks game: is that number too high, too low, or just right?

Elliotte Friedman: “I’m approaching it from a different perspective. My choice is ‘D’—you absolutely must keep him. Listening to Stan Bowman earlier today, it’s clear that you cannot replace a player of his caliber. If winning the Stanley Cup is the goal, you prioritize signing Leon Draisaitl at the most favorable number possible for the team, ensuring that this works in harmony with Connor McDavid and the rest of the roster.

Additionally, it’s essential to consider that Draisaitl’s salary will represent approximately 15 to 16% of the salary cap. This range is typical for top-tier players. Analyzing the market, it’s evident that the going rate for elite players who sign contracts falls within that percentage, which explains why this figure does not surprise me.

Initially, I speculated that the number might start with a 13, but as discussions progressed, it became clear that 14 was more likely. If we look at the leading franchise players in the NHL, their contracts consistently hover around 15 to 16% of the cap, making Draisaitl’s new deal quite fitting. Provided that the salary cap continues to increase as projected, both the player and the franchise should find this arrangement satisfactory.”

Draisaitl’s New Contract: A Testament to Edmonton’s Commitment to Winning

As Friedman points out, with the salary cap expected to rise over the next few seasons, it’s likely that an increasing number of players will command salaries that consume 15 to 16 percent of the cap. This trend will reshape the landscape of player contracts and team strategies in the NHL.