Leon Draisaitl has formally grow to be the highest-paid participant within the NHL, following his eight-year extension with the Edmonton Oilers. The deal, value $14 million per yr, cements Draisaitl’s dedication to the town and the Oilers. “I like nothing extra however carrying that jersey and representing our metropolis,” Draisaitl stated in his media name after signing the historic contract.
As excited as Oiler followers are to have Draisaitl staying put, they’re as enthusiastic about what this implies for one more elite-level expertise on the workforce. This extension not solely secures Draisaitl’s future in Edmonton but additionally paves the best way for Connor McDavid, the Oilers’ captain and franchise cornerstone, to re-sign with the workforce.
NHL insider Frank Seravalli of The Day by day Faceoff just lately predicted that McDavid’s re-signing with the Oilers subsequent summer season is a certainty. “It’s now a one hundred pc shot that Connor McDavid re-signs with the Edmonton Oilers,” Seravalli acknowledged on Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer. “There is no such thing as a likelihood that he’s leaving. I didn’t assume there was to start with, and positively not now with Leon Draisaitl locked up for the long run.”
Elliotte Friedman instructed Draisaitl and McDavid are working collectively in the case of their talks and so long as each gamers wish to win, they’ll be joyful in Edmonton, the place the workforce has proven that’s their precedence.
The connection between Draisaitl and McDavid has been key to the Oilers’ latest success. Draisaitl, when requested about McDavid’s future, stated, “I hope [McDavid] indicators and we will be our trip or dies for a protracted, very long time.” He added, “I did what’s greatest for me, and I count on he’ll do the identical for him. We’ve had conversations, after all, and I’d be mendacity if I stated I didn’t need him to stay round for a very long time.”
Seravalli predicts that the Oilers will lock up McDavid with a brand new deal value $16 million per yr, whereas additionally securing Evan Bouchard for $10 million per yr. Friedman wouldn’t be shocked if these three gamers are available at a complete of $40 million. He believes the Oilers will work their roster round these three.
With the NHL wage cap anticipated to rise to $100 million, Friedman additionally believes the Oilers could make it work.
Does Draisaitl’s deal primarily assure that McDavid will comply with go well with and signal a long-term deal in a yr from now?
Subsequent: Leon Draisaitl Indicators Enormous 8-Yr Contract with Edmonton Oilers