Draisaitl

Draisaitl Hits the Jackpot: The NHL's Newce!

Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl becomes the highest-paid player in NHL history with a staggering $122M contract extension!

In a historic move for the franchise and the NHL, the Edmonton Oilers have signed star center Leon Draisaitl to an impressive eight-year contract extension worth $112 million USD (approximately $152 million CAD). This monumental deal propels Draisaitl to unprecedented heights, making him the highest-paid player in the NHL, earning an average of $14 million annually. Draisaitl’s new contract not only surpasses that of Canadian superstar Auston Matthews, with his $13.25 million deal, but also solidifies his role as a cornerstone for the Oilers as they eye future championships.

The announcement, made on Tuesday morning by the Oilers, has left fans ecstatic! Edmonton Oilers executive vice president of hockey operations and general manager Stan Bowman expressed gratitude, stating, "This is a historic day for the Edmonton Oilers. Leon's commitment paves the way for our organization to achieve greatness." Draisaitl has already proven to be a key player in the Oilers’ recent journeys, notably their deep playoff run to Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final – and now, with an eight-year commitment, fans can rest easy knowing he will be wearing the Oilers’ colors for at least the next decade.

Draisaitl’s journey to this colossal payday began in Germany, where he first made waves in the hockey world. Since joining the NHL, he has established a reputation as a world-class talent, showcasing a mix of skillful offensive play complemented by remarkable vision on the ice. With over 600 points under his belt, and consistently ranking among the top scorers in the league, Draisaitl's on-ice prowess is undeniable, and this contract represents not only an investment in his talent but also a commitment to the future success of the Oilers.

And let’s not forget, while Draisaitl secures his future, hockey fans everywhere might just start drawing comparisons to other high-stakes contracts in sports history. Will this new contract lead to Cup glory for the Oilers? Only time will tell! It’s also worth mentioning that the NHL salary cap has seen ups and downs over the years; however, Draisaitl's deal accounts for a substantial 15.9% of the cap as of the signing date. Talk about breaking the bank! This extension marks a new era for the Oilers as they aim to build a playoff contender around their biggest star.