Leon Draisaitl's Next Contract Potentially Leaks

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Graham Montgomery
March 29, 2024 (6:55 PM)

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Edmonton Oilers superstar forward Leon Draisaitl is entering the final year of his contract next season. NHL insider Jim Matheson believes he will be signing an extension with the team over the summer.

The Oilers superstar has surpassed everyone's expectations since he signed his current eight-year extension with the team in the summer ahead of the 2017-18 season. At the time, Draisaitl had just two seasons of experience in the NHL and had a career high of 29 goals and 77 points. Few could have predicted that just two years later, he would become one of the most prolific goal scorers and overall offensive creators in the league. Since the contract was signed, Draisaitl has recorded three 50-goal seasons and four 100-point campaigns. This season he is on pace for more than 40 goals and well more than 100 points yet again.

Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl each tallied three points to propel the #Oilers to a 4-1 win at Rogers Place tonight! With the victory, Edmonton improved to 44-23-4! #LetsGoOilers

NHL insider Jim Matheson believes this has put him in a position to get one of the biggest contracts in NHL history, should he ask for that. He also suggests that he could take a shorter-term contract a la Auston Matthews.

"He can sign a four-year deal like Auston Matthews did in Toronto, not knowing where the cap is going to go, leaving himself room for another contract at 32. Matthews cap hit is $13.25 m and Leon would want at least that, maybe a tad more."

The Oilers will likely want to secure Draisaitl long-term, cementing his legacy as an Oiler, joining the long list of elite players to come through the organization. It is not clear whether or not Draisaitl would want to commit long term however. NHL insider Darren Dreger believes the contract negotiations may be tougher than expected.

"Or he can go eight years like fellow centre Nathan MacKinnon's deal in Colorado. MacKinnon took a hometown discount, at an AAV of $12.6 million, but the Colorado stud signed his based on a current cap of $82.5 million. I don't think they'll get Draisaitl for a number under 13 and the Oilers will want to know that pretty soon."

The Playoffs could be a deciding factor this season as the Oilers look to win their first Stanley Cup in over 30 years. The team has failed to find consistent post-season success in the McDavid-Draisaitl era, potentially giving the superstar cause for concern about a long-term deal with the team. A long run this season could quell those fears.

Source HockeyFeed: Leon Draisaitl's future in Edmonton leaked and gets fans reacting

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How long do you think Draisaitl's extension with the Oilers will be?
three-four years	291	28.4 %
Five years	195	19 %
six-eight years	252	24.6 %
He doesn't re-sign	286	27.9 %
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