Leon Draisaitl Negotiates with Oilers Amid Team’s Budget Concerns…
After taking the Stanley Cup Final to a thrilling Game 7, the Edmonton Oilers are now focused on securing Leon Draisaitl’s future, as his contract is set to expire in July 2025.
According to Frank Seravalli from Daily Faceoff, who spoke on SN960 The FAN’s Big Show, Draisaitl’s next contract could have an average annual value (AAV) of up to $14 million, potentially surpassing Auston Matthews’ $13.25 million AAV record. Seravalli noted, “I think the final number could start with a 14, or just slightly less.
Update on Leon Draisaitl & his contract extension talks.
8 years, $13.5M AAV is the deal that gets this done, here’s why.
Leon Draisaitl is scheduled to be in Edmonton within the next couple of days. This was a week that was very important to get this done.
Talks will pick…— 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast (@2MuttsHockeyPod) August 26, 2024
But if the Oilers were expecting Draisaitl to accept a significant team-friendly discount, it appears that’s unlikely.”
Despite the higher-than-expected cost from the Oilers’ standpoint, there is still hope that a deal will be reached before training camp begins. Seravalli added, “Negotiations have been slower than anticipated, but the aim is still to finalize something before training camp, and that remains possible.”
According to a report from the 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast on August 26, Draisaitl has set a deadline of September 19 for reaching an agreement with the Oilers.
If no deal is in place by then, he will not negotiate during the season, as he wishes to avoid distractions going into training camp. Draisaitl is currently in the final season of his eight-year, $68 million contract with the Oilers.
