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This offseason, Leon Draisaitl and several other high-profile NHL stars are eligible to sign contract extensions. Some players will extend their contracts with their existing teams, while others may be traded.
Some extensions will happen before training camp begins, while others will be finalized in the months to come. The salary cap for the upcoming NHL season is expected to increase by five million dollars compared to last season. This means players who sign extensions this offseason are poised to become some of the highest-paid players in league history.
Five NHL superstars likely to land major extensions ft. Leon Draisaitl
#5: Mikko Rantanen
Mikko Rantanen is heading into the final year of a six-year deal with the Colorado Avalanche worth $55 million as per Spotrac.com. Last season, he posted his second straight year with over 100 points, logging 104 points over 80 games.
The two-time All-Star and 2022 Stanley Cup Champion is poised to land a big contract extension this year, with the expectation being that he remains with the Avalanche.
#4: Mitch Marner
Mitch Marner, like Mikko Rantanen, averaged more than a point per game last season. While there has been plenty of talk around the NHL community regarding his extension, the latest reports have indicated that he could be heading into trade territory.
Regardless of where he lands, the expectation is that he's going to sign a massive extension. Since signing a six-year $65M contract with the Maple Leafs in 2019, he has repeatedly taken his game to the next level, making him one to watch as contract extension talks pick up.
#3: Leon Drasaitl
Fresh off a Stanley Cup Finals appearance, Leon Draisaitl is heading into the final year of his contract. While he doesn't currently have an extension in place, Draisaitl's agent has made it clear that he wants to finalize an extension with the Oilers before the start of training camp.
Given the success of the Leon Draisaitl-Connor McDavid duo, the expectation is that the Oilers will offer Leon Draisaitl a massive extension to keep him in Edmonton long-term.
#2: Aaron Ekblad
Fresh off a Stanley Cup win with the Florida Panthers, Aaron Ekblad is likely due for a big extension. From the sounds of things, a deal may not come to fruition between Ekblad and the Panthers.
Regardless of where he goes, and whether he signs an extension with the team he's traded to, the standout defenceman is poised to sign a big contract in 2024 after his and the Panthers' Stanley Cup win.
#1: Sidney Crosby
A player who needs no introduction, Sidney Crosby is without a doubt one of the most decorated players in the NHL today. With his 12-year, $104M contract set to expire after this season, Crosby is eligible for a big extension.
According to the latest reports, much like Leon Draisaitl, he is expected to re-sign with his current team, with the Penguins reportedly close to finalizing an extension with the three-time Stanley Cup champion.
