Forecasting Leon Draisaitl’s Contract Renewal After Recent Remarks
The Edmonton Oilers have had a busy couple of weeks, from their Game 7 loss in the Stanley Cup Final to making a strategic trade in the first round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft to select Sam O’Reilly. They have also been active in free agency, signing Jeff Skinner, Viktor Arvidsson, Josh Brown, Collin Delia, and Connor Carrick, while retaining Adam Henrique, Connor Brown, Mattias Janmark, Noel Hoefenmayer, James Hamblin, and Corey Perry. Amid these moves, a key issue remains: securing a contract extension for superstar forward Leon Draisaitl before his current deal ends after the 2024-25 season.
Draisaitl’s recent comments about his contract situation were cautious, revealing little about his future plans but suggesting he wants to stay with the Oilers. He expressed patience in negotiating a deal and emphasized his love for the team, indicating they are his top choice. His message to first-round pick O’Reilly welcoming him to the team also highlighted his pride in his leadership role.
The Oilers have been a consistent team in recent seasons, poised to win the Stanley Cup soon. They want Draisaitl to be part of their future, both immediate and long-term, as he is on track to become a Hall of Famer and one of the franchise’s all-time greats. Although his extension will be costly and consume a significant portion of the salary cap, Draisaitl’s value justifies any expense.
Projecting Draisaitl’s Next Contract
Draisaitl could become the NHL’s highest-paid player for a season, with Connor McDavid’s contract due for renewal the following year. The Oilers should be ready to offer around $13.75 million per season for the next eight years. While he might accept slightly less for a favorable term, he will still command a substantial salary. Despite some critiques of his defensive play and claims of being overrated, Oilers fans recognize his significant impact on both ends of the ice and believe he deserves a significant pay increase.
With 850 points in 719 regular-season games and 108 points in 74 playoff games, Draisaitl’s offensive contributions are irreplaceable. He is among the NHL elite, often compared to Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon in a close contest for superiority. To retain Draisaitl, the Oilers will likely need to surpass MacKinnon’s $12.6 million cap hit.
Oilers fans can look forward to the 2024-25 season with optimism, despite the looming contract situation. The team’s recent acquisitions bolster their confidence in winning their first Stanley Cup since 1990. Though other teams have also strengthened and will pose challenges, the Oilers remain a formidable contender this season.
