The Edmonton Oilers have secured an eight-year contract extension for Leon Draisaitl, valued at $112 million, which establishes him as the highest-paid player in NHL history with a salary cap hit of $14 million. This new deal will commence in the 2025-26 season and extend through 2033. General manager Stan Bowman announced the signing, emphasizing its significance for the franchise and the commitment Draisaitl has to both the team and its fans.
Bowman highlighted Draisaitl’s dedication to winning a Stanley Cup for Edmonton, noting that this goal drives his performance both on and off the ice. Draisaitl, along with teammate Connor McDavid, played a crucial role in the
Oilers reaching Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final last season.
The 2020 MVP was poised to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, making the extension a top priority for the Oilers.
Bowman, who took over as GM in late August after a reinstatement following a previous ban related to the Chicago Blackhawks’ sexual assault scandal, identified retaining Draisaitl as a critical task during his tenure. Draisaitl’s new contract surpasses Auston Matthews’ cap hit of $14.25 million, effectively doubling his previous salary of $9.5 million, which he had secured in a highly favorable deal signed in 2017.
The Cologne native has demonstrated exceptional value throughout his career, amassing 850 points in 719 regular-season games and ranking among the top playoff producers with 108 points in 74 games. His average of 1.46 points per game in the playoffs places him fourth all-time among players with over 40 postseason appearances, behind legends like Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux, as well as McDavid.
With Draisaitl’s contract finalized, the Oilers can now shift their focus to re-signing McDavid, their captain and the franchise’s face. McDavid is set to enter free agency in the summer of 2026, and he will be eligible to negotiate a contract extension starting July 2. This next step will be crucial as the Oilers aim to maintain their core talent while pursuing championship aspirations.
