Leon Draisaitl’s agent has provided insights into the timeline for a potential contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers. Draisaitl, a standout center, is expected to command one of the highest salaries in the NHL when his next contract is finalized, having consistently outperformed his current $8.5 million annual salary. The uncertainty surrounding the timing of this extension is partly due to the Oilers’ current lack of a permanent general manager following the departure of Ken Holland. Jeff Jackson, the team’s president, is temporarily filling the role but has indicated he does not want to take on the position permanently. Therefore, the search for a new GM is ongoing, and it is likely that significant contract negotiations will be delayed until the new hire is in place.
Although the Oilers have until next July to negotiate with Draisaitl, his agent’s comments suggest that Draisaitl might prefer not to engage in contract talks during the season. This preference implies that the incoming GM will have limited time to negotiate an extension, emphasizing the urgency of the hiring process.
Draisaitl has consistently demonstrated his value, surpassing the 100-point mark in five of the last six seasons and ranking second in points across the NHL during that period, only behind his teammate Connor McDavid. Given McDavid’s contract was signed in 2017 with a $12.5 million average annual value (AAV), it is not a current comparable. However, Auston Matthews’ recent $13.25 million AAV contract with Toronto could serve as a benchmark for Draisaitl’s next deal, especially if he reaches free agency next summer.
The potential challenge for the Oilers lies in managing their salary cap to accommodate Draisaitl’s market value contract for the 2025-26 season, while also preparing for McDavid’s contract renewal a year later, which is expected to demand a significant increase. The new GM will need to address this issue promptly, given Draisaitl’s agent’s indication of a possible negotiation deadline.
Despite the complexities, Draisaitl’s agent expressed confidence that an agreement could be reached to ensure Draisaitl remains with the Oilers for the foreseeable future.
