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Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl is in the final year of his eight-year, $68 million contract. He signed this deal in 2017. After July 1, Draisaitl became eligible for a contract extension.
NHL insider Jim Matheson tweeted about Draisaitl's new deal. He said:
"If Oilers offer to Draisaitl starts with a 13, this deal is getting done, and maybe soon. I suspect he'll sign for about $13.5m a year. All this talk about him wanting to be top dog somewhere else? Why? The Oilers are closer to Cup than just about any other contender."
This new contract could be valued at $13.5 million annually. It would make Draisaitl one of the highest-paid players in the league. It would also overshadow the Toronto Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews' recent deal with an AAV of $13.25 million.
Fans quickly reacted to it on social media.
"Always the bridesmaid and never the bride," one fan said.
"The Oilers as constructed will never play another minute in the finals. Book it. They don’t have the fortitude we saw from the Crosby era penguins to actually maximize an elite core," another fan said.
"He will stay if Mcdavid plans to stay. If Mcdavid doesn’t know.. and they’ve already said to each other you do what’s best for you. Don’t worry about me. Then it could get intriguing," one fan wrote.
Here are some more reactions from fans on the Leon Draisaitl update:
"Ya, but he'd still have to live in Edmonton for another 7,8 years. 2nd worst nhl city to live in," a fan said.
"Bob has been implying that something is brewing. There’s a wedding this week, i would sign before the wedding so i can let loose on the dance floor," one fan said.
"2 years ago it was Colorado is going to the cup again. They didn't. Last year it was Vegas is going to the cup again. They didn't. This year it's Edm turn. They aren't making it to the finals again. Too much parity," a fan said.
New Oilers GM Stan Bowman hints at Leon Draisaitl extension
The Edmonton Oilers recently appointed Stan Bowman as the new general manager, replacing Ken Holland. This decision has led to controversy. Meanwhile, the players are staying busy with their offseasons.
During Wednesday's episode of Oilers Now, host Bob Stauffer responded to fans' texts. Stauffer hinted at a positive development for Leon Draisaitl:
"It would not surprise me if Leon were to be signed to an extension shortly."
In his introductory press conference, Bowman said:
"Leon is a star player, he's top priority for me. I want Leon to be an Oiler for life. He's a fantastic player, I've enjoyed watching him play."
Bowman further pointed out Draisaitl's and Connor McDavid's unique abilities:
"I think what sets him and Connor (McDavid) apart from pretty much anyone else is in the game is...they're that rare breed that can elevate their game in the playoffs."
Given Bowman's high regard for Draisaitl, and Stauffer's comments, it seems likely that Leon Draisaitl will receive a contract extension soon.
