"McDavid is gone" "But he was going to take less": NHL fans react to Leon Draisaitl's record $112M contract extension

Leon Draisaitl and the Edmonton Oilers have agreed to an eight-year $112 million extension. Drsaitil was entering the final year of his deal and was eligible for an extension since July 1. The Oilers announced the extension on social media on Tuesday.

Draisaitl's extension pays him $14 million per season starting in the 2025–26 NHL season, which makes him the highest-paid player in NHL history.

Following the extension, NHL fans reacted to the news and some are torn on the contract.

"But he was going to take less!!!," a fan wrote.

"Mcdavid is gone bruh," a fan added.

With Draisaitl signing the extension, many fans are now wondering what the future holds for McDavid, who can sign an extension on July 1.

"So he’s going to make 14 million, Bouchard is likely going to be north of 8-9 million and Mcdavid is likely 16-17 mil. On top of Nurse’s 9.25 million. That’s roughly 50 mil in 4 players. Even with cap increasing that’s insane," a fan added.

"thats such a brutal deal especially considering their cap and how extremely overrated draisaitl is (IMO)," a fan added.

NHL fans thought Draisaitl would have taken a bit of a discount so the Oilers core group could stay together.

"Surely tying up nearly half the salary cap in 3 players won't blow up in your face," a fan added.

"Deserves the money, but the Oilers won’t be winning the cup anytime soon. You need more than 4 players to win," a fan wrote.

In 81 games with the Oilers last season, Draisaitl scored 41 goals and 65 assists for 106 points. In the playoffs, he recorded 10 goals and 21 assists for 31 points in 25 games. He was a key factor in Edmonton reaching the Stanley Cup Final last season.

Oilers GM calls Leon Draisaitl extension a "historic day"

Leon Draisaitl is one of the top players in the NHL and his future with the Edmonton Oilers was up in the air.

However, Draisaitl signed the extension ahead of the season and Edmonton general manager Stan Bowman called it a historic day for the franchise.

"This is an historic day for the Edmonton Oilers," said Bowman to media. "Leon's commitment to our team, our city and Oilers fans everywhere cannot be overstated. His desire to help bring a Stanley Cup title home to Edmonton is central to everything he does both on and off the ice."

Draisaitl has been with the Oilers since Edmonton selected him third overall in the 2014 NHL draft.