Leon Draisaitl, the star center for the Edmonton Oilers, has inked a massive eight-year contract extension that is set to make him one of the highest-paid players in the NHL. The deal, which kicks in during the 2025-26 season, carries an average annual value of $14 million, totaling an eye-watering $112 million over its duration. This contract solidifies Draisaitl’s position as a key player for the Oilers and cements his status as one of the top talents in the league.
Record-Breaking Deal
Leon Draisaitl’s contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers is nothing short of historic. With an average annual value of $14 million, he now holds the highest average annual contract value in the salary cap era, surpassing other top-tier players like Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs. This record-breaking deal reflects the Oilers’ commitment to Draisaitl and their belief in his ability to lead the team to success in the coming years.
Draisaitl, who is 28 years old, has been a standout performer for the Oilers since joining the team in 2014. His combination of skill, vision, and goal-scoring ability has made him a force to be reckoned with on the ice, and his contributions have been instrumental in the team’s success over the years. With this new contract in place, Draisaitl is poised to continue his impressive career trajectory and further establish himself as one of the top players in the NHL.
Commitment to Success
In a statement following the signing of his contract extension, Draisaitl expressed his dedication to the Oilers and his belief in the team’s potential to achieve greatness. “For me, it was always the Oilers,” Draisaitl stated. “Obviously we haven’t gotten the job done yet, which makes it to me even more special. We’re going to do this together. We’re all pulling on the same rope here. I’m excited to be a part of it and excited to keep chipping away at the ultimate goal, and we all know what that is.”
This sentiment underscores Draisaitl’s commitment to the team and his desire to bring a championship to Edmonton. As one of the team’s key leaders, he sets a high standard for himself and his teammates, pushing everyone to strive for excellence on and off the ice. With Draisaitl’s contract extension secured, the Oilers have a cornerstone player to build their future around and a leader who is determined to bring success to the organization.
A Player Like No Other
General manager Stan Bowman praised Draisaitl’s unique talents and the impact he has on the Oilers both on and off the ice. “Players like Leon are special: There’s not many people in the world that can play hockey like he does,” Bowman remarked. “There’s no way we could ever replace what Leon brings to the table. He’s a huge part of our team, he has been and he will continue to be.”
Draisaitl’s skill set is truly one-of-a-kind, with his ability to score goals, create plays, and elevate the play of those around him setting him apart from his peers. His impressive career statistics, including 850 points in 719 games and 347 career goals, speak to his consistency and impact on the game. As the Oilers look to build a championship-contending team, having a player of Draisaitl’s caliber is crucial to their success.
In conclusion, Leon Draisaitl’s contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers represents a significant milestone for both the player and the team. With a record-breaking deal that makes him one of the highest-paid players in the NHL, Draisaitl’s commitment to the Oilers and his dedication to achieving success are clear. As he continues to lead the team on the ice, his impact will be felt both in Edmonton and across the league, solidifying his place as a top talent in the NHL.