In a move that will solidify their core for the foreseeable future, the Edmonton Oilers have signed star forward Leon Draisaitl to an eight-year, $119.3 million contract extension. The deal, which carries an annual average value (AAV) of $14.91 million, makes Draisaitl the highest-paid player in NHL history.
The extension kicks in at the start of the 2025-26 season, keeping the 28-year-old German star in Edmonton through the 2032-33 season. Draisaitl, who has been a cornerstone of the Oilers’ offense since being drafted third overall in 2014, expressed his excitement about remaining with the team.
“For me, it was always the Oilers,” Draisaitl said on a video call with reporters. “Obviously we haven’t gotten the job done yet, which makes it even more special. We’re going to do this together. We’re all pulling on the same rope here.”
Draisaitl’s current contract expires at the end of the 2024-25 season. He has consistently been one of the league’s top scorers, including a Hart Trophy and Art Ross Trophy-winning season in 2019-20 when he led the NHL with 110 points.
The Oilers, who have been Stanley Cup contenders in recent years with Draisaitl and Connor McDavid leading the charge, are now locked in with their two superstars for the long haul. This move sends a clear message that the team is committed to winning and that Draisaitl believes in the organization’s vision.
“Leon is a world-class player and a true leader,” Oilers general manager Ken Holland said in a statement. “We are thrilled to have him locked up for the next eight years. He is a cornerstone of our franchise and we are confident that he will continue to be a major contributor to our success for many years to come.”
Draisaitl’s new contract also makes him one of the highest-paid athletes in Canadian sports history. It is a testament to his incredible talent and the impact he has had on the Oilers organization. With Draisaitl and McDavid leading the way, the Oilers will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the NHL for years to come.
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