Leon Draisaitl signs NHL’s biggest deal, says he wants to be an ‘Oiler for life’

EDMONTON — Leon Draisaitl says he desires to be an “Oiler for all times.”

The star ahead took a giant step in direction of that aim by signing an eight-year contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers. The deal, introduced Tuesday has a mean annual worth of US$14 million, the very best in NHL historical past.

“I’ve a tough time picturing myself in a special jersey,” stated Draisaitl, who scored 41 targets and added 65 assists for 106 factors in 81 regular-season video games final season.

He added one other 10 targets and 21 assists by way of 25 playoff video games, serving to propel Edmonton to its first Stanley Cup ultimate look since 2006.

He was set to change into an unrestricted free agent subsequent summer season.

Draisaitl’s deal is simply the primary of three main targets common supervisor Stan Bowman must deal with within the subsequent couple of years. Defenceman Evan Bouchard’s $3.9 million bridge deal ends after this season, positioning him for a major elevate.

And, after this season, negotiations can start with three-time MVP Connor McDavid, who’s more likely to command a contract that surpasses Draisaitl’s.

McDavid is at the moment on a deal that pays him $12.5 million per season, and expires on the finish of the 2025-26 season.

“Actually, there’s going to be challenges sooner or later,” Bowman stated of the group’s want to remain underneath the salary-cap ceiling and lock down all three gamers.

“However, that’s for us to determine down the street.”

Bowman stated that gamers like Draisaitl are merely irreplaceable, in order that’s why the deal was his “prime precedence” since he was employed earlier this summer season.

“Gamers like Leon are particular.” stated Bowman. “There’s not many individuals on this planet who can play hockey like he does. There’s no method we will ever change what Leon brings to the desk. He’s an enormous a part of our group; he has been and can proceed to be.”

Draisaitl signed an eight-year, US$68 million contract extension in August 2017 that carried an annual common cap hit of $8.5 million — and rapidly changed into one of many NHL’s bargains — that expires after the 2024-25 season.

The 28-year-old centre has 347 targets and 503 assists for 850 factors in 719 regular-season video games since getting chosen third general on the 2014 NHL draft.

With these eye-popping numbers, some GMs would possibly even see the $14-million annual cap hit as a cut price. Draisaitl acknowledged the stability between maximizing his earnings and leaving the group some flexibility to construct for one more Cup run.

“It is a positive line and I feel that is the place negotiations usually most likely get to a standstill and it does not go any additional,” stated Draisaitk. “We all know you’ll be able to’t win with two-, three- or four-man rosters. It is simply not attainable on this league. This league’s too good. I am very comfortable it is carried out … and I can deal with enjoying my recreation and persevering with to get higher and play my finest hockey, particularly when it issues most.”

Draisaitl is hopeful his extension will result in a long-term deal for McDavid, retaining the NHL’s prime one-two punch collectively for years to come back.

“Connor’s going to do what’s finest for him, proper? That’s simply the best way this works,” stated Draisaitl. “It’s alleged to work that method. I did what I believed was finest for me, personally. Do I hope that Connor follows alongside? I might be mendacity if I stated no. In fact I need him to remain on board. I need all our items to remain on board.”

However, does being the brand new highest-paid participant within the NHL put a goal on Draisaitl’s again? Will it make him grip his stick extra tightly within the coming years?

“I don’t know in regards to the phrase, ‘strain.’ I feel it’s a duty extra so than strain, perhaps. I’m conscious of my duty, I’m conscious of the dedication that (proprietor Daryl Katz) and your entire Oilers group has given me. It’s my time to provide that again in a method, proper? I’m conscious of my duty. Is it strain? In sure moments, there’s strain. However, you already know I’m going to receives a commission some huge cash to deal with these moments.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed Sept. 3, 2024.

Steven Sandor, The Canadian Press