Oilers signal Leon Draisaitl to an 8-year extension value $112 million

Leon Draisaitl had a tough time picturing himself enjoying within the NHL sporting something however an Edmonton Oilers jersey, and the results of that could be a long-term dedication to the group’s pursuit of the Stanley Cup because the highest-paid participant in hockey.

Draisaitl on Tuesday signed an eight-year extension value $112 million, a deal that offers the German star the highest wage cap hit in NHL historical past at $14 million. The brand new contract, the second richest in whole {dollars} in league historical past, begins with the 2025-26 season and runs by way of 2033.

“For me, it was at all times the Oilers,” Draisaitl mentioned on a video name with reporters. “Clearly we haven’t gotten the job carried out but, which makes it to me much more particular. We’re going to do that collectively. We’re all pulling on the identical rope right here. I’m excited to be part of it and excited to maintain chipping away on the final aim, and everyone knows what that’s.”

Draisaitl’s landmark deal acquired carried out a little bit over two months since he, Connor McDavid and their teammates almost pulled off a historic comeback within the Stanley Cup last, erasing a 3-0 collection deficit earlier than dropping to Florida by one aim in Sport 7. Draisaitl had 31 factors in 25 video games on that run.

He may have turn into a free agent subsequent summer time. Avoiding that and getting him signed to a long-term contract was the group’s high offseason precedence.

“Gamers like Leon are particular: There’s not many individuals on this planet that may play hockey like he does,” mentioned common supervisor Stan Bowman, who was employed in late July. “There’s no method we may ever exchange what Leon brings to the desk. He’s an enormous a part of our workforce, he has been and he’ll proceed to be.”

Draisaitl surpasses Auston Matthews’ $13.25 million cap hit with this new contract, which almost doubles his wage. The 28-year-old Draisaitl is making $8.5 million on common on his present contract, which was signed in 2017 and have become probably the most team-friendly within the league.

The contract trails solely the $124 million over 13 years Alex Ovechkin signed for again in 2008 as the largest the NHL has seen. It comes with the wage cap anticipated to extend once more in ’25-26, seemingly over $90 million or extra, as league revenues continue to grow to file ranges.

“Actually there’s going to be challenges sooner or later, however that’s for us to determine down the highway,” Bowman mentioned. “We’ll determine the opposite stuff out down the highway, however for now we’re simply thrilled that he’s with us.”

.The massive ahead from Cologne has been value each penny alongside the best way, placing up 850 factors in 719 regular-season video games since making his NHL debut and being one of many high producers in playoff historical past with 108 in 74. Draisaitl’s 1.46 factors a sport rank fourth all time amongst gamers with 40-plus video games within the postseason, behind Corridor of Famers Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux and McDavid.

Draisaitl mentioned he talked to McDavid, with whom he has turn into shut associates, all through the method earlier than signing.

“I did what I assumed was greatest for me personally. Do I hope that Connor follows alongside? I’d be mendacity if I mentioned no,” Draisaitl mentioned. “In fact I would like him to remain on board.”

McDavid received the Conn Smythe as playoff MVP for main all scorers with 42 factors and 3 times has taken dwelling the Hart Trophy as regular-season MVP. Edmonton’s face of the franchise is eligible to signal a contract extension of his personal July 1, which is predicted to incorporate McDavid getting a increase from his $12.5 million annual wage now that Draisaitl has gotten his new deal.

“Clearly, it exhibits that we need to win,” Bowman mentioned when requested how this contract may have an effect on talks with McDavid and his camp. “We need to win and we’re going to do the whole lot in our energy and hopefully that’s going to be one thing that Connor likes to listen to. However the negotiation itself, it might be completely different or it is probably not. It might be very related. I don’t know. However I’m trying ahead to having that dialog.”