Just In: Oilers Announced The Addition Of Another High Rated Veteran Superstar To The Fam.

The star forward made significant progress towards his goals by signing an eight-year contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers, announced Tuesday. The deal has an average annual value of $14 million, marking the highest in NHL history.

“I can’t imagine wearing a different jersey,” said Draisaitl, who recorded 41 goals and 65 assists for a total of 106 points in the last regular season. He also contributed 10 goals and 21 assists in 25 playoff games, helping the Oilers reach the Stanley Cup final for the first time since 2006.

With him set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun noted that the contract is front-loaded and includes a full no-move clause for its duration. This deal is just the first of several important priorities for general manager Stan Bowman, who also needs to negotiate contracts for defenseman Evan Bouchard, whose $3.9 million bridge deal ends after this season, and three-time MVP Connor McDavid, who is expected to seek a contract exceeding Draisaitl’s.

McDavid is currently under a contract worth $12.5 million annually, which expires after the 2025-26 season.

“There will certainly be challenges ahead,” Bowman acknowledged regarding the team’s salary-cap situation and the need to retain all three players. “But that’s something we’ll address later.”

Bowman emphasized that players like Draisaitl are irreplaceable, which made this deal his “top priority” since he joined the organization earlier this summer. “Players like Leon are special,” he said. “There aren’t many who can play the way he does. We can’t replace what he brings; he’s integral to our team.”

Draisaitl had previously signed a $68 million contract extension in August 2017, averaging $8.5 million per season, which has since become one of the NHL’s best value deals and expires after the 2024-25 season. The 28-year-old center has tallied 347 goals and 503 assists for 850 points in 719 regular-season games since being drafted third overall in 2014.

Given his impressive stats, some general managers might view the $14 million cap hit as a bargain. Draisaitl spoke about balancing his earnings with the team’s ability to strengthen for a championship run. “It’s a fine line, and that’s where negotiations can stall,” he said. “You can’t win with just a few players; the league is too competitive. I’m glad it’s done, so I can focus on improving and playing my best when it counts.”

Draisaitl hopes his extension will encourage McDavid to sign a long-term deal, keeping the NHL’s top duo together. “Connor will do what’s best for him, and that’s how it should be,” he said. “I want him to stay, along with all our key players.”

Regarding the pressure of being the highest-paid player in the NHL, Draisaitl noted it feels more like a responsibility. “I understand the commitment the organization has made to me, and it’s my time to give back,” he said. “There’s pressure at times, but I’m well compensated to handle those moments.”