Leon Draisaitl Signs Historic 8-Year, $112M, $14M AAV Extension with Oilers

Sep 3, 2024, 02:32 PM

Leon Draisaitl has signed an eight-year contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers, valued at $14 million per year, making him the highest-paid player in NHL history when the deal starts in the 2025-26 season. This extension surpasses Auston Matthews' $13.25 million cap hit and is the highest average annual value in NHL history. Draisaitl's new contract totals $112 million, though it is not the highest total dollar deal in league history, a record held by Alexander Ovechkin's $124 million contract. Since his current deal began in 2017, Draisaitl has ranked second in points and goals, and first in power-play goals and game-winning goals. The Oilers' management views this as a significant move to secure their championship window. This deal also sets a new market standard, potentially impacting future contracts like that of Mikko Rantanen.