Leon Draisaitl has signed a monumental eight-year contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers, value $14 million per 12 months in common annual worth (AAV). This new deal makes Draisaitl the highest-paid participant within the NHL, even when he’ll solely maintain that place for a couple of 12 months.
As Frank Seravalli factors out. though the whole worth of the contract, $112 million, doesn’t surpass Alexander Ovechkin’s $124 million deal from 2008, it’s nonetheless one of the vital in NHL historical past. The deal will hold Draisaitl with the Oilers via the 2032-33 season.
Draisaitl contract front-loaded, contains full no-move clause all through. Each side agreed to the larger components of this deal late final week. Some ending touches over the weekend. Draisaitl made positive to get plenty of data this summer season en path to this large determination. Desires to win in Edmonton.
Oilers GM Stan Bowman added: “It is a historic day for the Edmonton Oilers. Leon’s dedication to our staff, our metropolis and Oilers followers in every single place can’t be overstated. His want to assist carry a Stanley Cup title house to Edmonton is central to all the pieces he does each on and off the ice.”
Draisaitl Is a Enormous A part of the Oilers’ Future
Because the begin of his present eight-year contract in 2017, Draisaitl has persistently ranked among the many NHL’s prime performers. He has amassed 713 factors, rating second within the league, whereas his 297 objectives additionally place him second. Draisaitl’s items on the ability play are practically unmatched, main the league with 130 power-play objectives. He has additionally confirmed to be clutch in vital moments, with 53 game-winning objectives, putting him fourth on this class.
Draisaitl’s influence extends into the postseason, the place he not simply produces for the Oilers, however elevates his recreation. Over the past three playoff seasons, he has collected 81 factors, the second-highest within the league, and has tied for essentially the most objectives scored in that interval with 30. His 51 assists rank him second, whereas his 15 power-play objectives lead all gamers.
By securing Draisaitl for the long run, the Oilers usually are not solely retaining a famous person participant and a part of their core, however they’ve retained the most important piece that can hold Connor McDavid on the town. The trick now will likely be to have this type of contract on the books and construct a stable basis round it.
Subsequent: Did the Deferred Jarvis Deal Change Draisaitl’s Talks with Oilers?