Insider reveals how much it will take to sign Leon Draisaitl
Leon Draisaitl Poised for Record-Breaking Contract with Edmonton Oilers
New Edmonton Oilers GM Stan Bowman is facing a significant challenge as one of his star players, Leon Draisaitl, approaches the end of his contract. With just one season remaining, speculation about Draisaitl's next deal is heating up, and one insider believes it could make history.
Veteran Oilers reporter Jim Matheson, who has covered the team for over four decades, predicts that Draisaitl will secure the highest cap hit in NHL history. Matheson suggests that Draisaitl's new contract will likely be around $13.5 million per year, surpassing Auston Matthews' current record of $13.25 million annually.
Matheson confidently asserts that the Oilers will retain Draisaitl, dispelling rumors that the star forward might seek to be the top player elsewhere.
"If Oilers offer to Draisaitl starts with a 13, this deal is getting done, and maybe soon. I suspect he'll sign for about $13.5m a year. All this talk about him wanting to be top dog somewhere else? Why? The Oilers are closer to Cup than just about any other contender."
Matheson isn't alone in his assessment. Many analysts argue that with a solid number one goaltender, the Oilers are serious contenders for the Stanley Cup. The team's dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl remains one of the most formidable in the league, and adding a reliable goaltender could be the missing piece for a championship run.
A comparison to the Florida Panthers' goaltending situation highlights the potential impact of elite netminding. Many believe that had Edmonton's Stuart Skinner been replaced by Florida's Sergei Bobrovsky in the playoffs, the Oilers might have emerged victorious.
"Bobrovsky's head/shoulder/hip rotation here is the reason he makes the save. I know McDavid's shot was going back post and that helps, but goalies that lose their structure, that dive and fall back on their butts have no chance even on a shot that is not perfect."
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While Matheson speculates on the annual value of Draisaitl's next contract, the length of the deal remains uncertain. Draisaitl, now 28, will complete the final season of his current eight-year contract in 2024-25. Given his importance to the team, it would be surprising if the Oilers don't secure his re-signing by the end of the season.
As the Oilers navigate this crucial period, the focus remains on building a team capable of securing a Stanley Cup. Keeping Draisaitl in Edmonton is a key part of that strategy, ensuring that the formidable partnership with McDavid continues to drive the team's success.
Source: Blade of Steel
Insider on what Leon Draisaitl gets on next contract and why he's staying put
| POLL | ||
Do you believe Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers will get a $13.5 million AAV on his next contract? | ||
| Yes | 21 | 45.7 % |
| Higher | 2 | 4.3 % |
| Lower | 21 | 45.7 % |
| Not sure | 2 | 4.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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