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Oilers Sign Leon Draisaitl to Record 8-Year, $112M Extension at $14M AAV

Sep 3, 2024, 02:40 PM

The Edmonton Oilers have signed forward Leon Draisaitl to an eight-year contract extension worth $112 million, with an average annual value (AAV) of $14 million, the highest in NHL history. This deal, beginning in the 2025-26 season, makes Draisaitl the highest-paid player in NHL history by AAV, surpassing Auston Matthews' $13.25 million. Although not the highest total dollar deal in NHL history (Ovechkin, $124 million), it is a massive payday. Draisaitl's new contract is front-loaded and includes a full no-move clause throughout. Since starting his current eight-year deal in 2017, Draisaitl has been a top performer in the league, ranking second in points (713) and goals (297), first in power-play goals (130), and fourth in game-winning goals (53). In the last three playoff seasons, he ranks second in points (81), tied for first in goals (30), second in assists (51), and first in power-play goals (15). This extension is seen as a significant move for the Oilers, potentially influencing future contracts, including that of Connor McDavid.