Leon Draisaitl demands a 7-year contract extension with the Oilers. Will this be granted?

The Edmonton Oilers experienced a dramatic 2023-24 season. They began the campaign with a rough 2-9-1 record and decided to part ways with head coach Jay Woodcroft and assistant Dave Manson, replacing them with Kris Knoblauch and Paul Coffey. Despite the rocky start, the team turned things around and made a deep playoff run, coming within one game of winning the Stanley Cup. As they prepare for the future, one of their star forwards, Leon Draisaitl, is approaching a crucial contract decision. He is eligible to sign a new extension starting July 1, and re-signing him is a top priority for the new general manager, Stan Bowman. According to insiders, Draisaitl prefers a long-term deal of seven or eight years rather than a short-term contract.

It’s likely that Draisaitl’s next contract will make him the highest-paid player in the NHL, at least until Connor McDavid signs his new deal. Currently, the top salary belongs to Toronto Maple Leafs’ forward Auston Matthews, with an average annual value (AAV) of $13.25 million. While some argue Matthews is a superior all-around player, Draisaitl’s impact and playoff performance suggest he may warrant a higher salary. Speculation suggests Draisaitl could command between $13.5 and $13.75 million per season on a long-term contract.

Unlike Matthews, who signed a shorter four-year contract, Draisaitl is expected to seek a longer-term commitment. At 28, he’s an exception to the usual caution teams exercise with aging players. Should Draisaitl opt for a team-friendly deal, his salary might fall between $12.25 and $12.75 million, but he’s likely to secure at least $13 million per year. The Oilers must be prepared to meet his demands to avoid losing him next offseason. With the season beginning on October 9, 2024, against the Winnipeg Jets, finalizing Draisaitl’s extension before the season starts will be crucial. Despite the ongoing contract discussions, it’s an exciting time for the Oilers as they aim to secure their first Stanley Cup since 1990, with strong fan support and a promising roster.