Well it is still July, but what better time to talk hockey talk. This time the talk is in the form of Edmonton Oilers rumours and chatter surrounding re-signing superstar centre Leon Draisaitl. The Oilers superstar is due for a new contract after next year, and today we have an update on the contract talks.
Edmonton Oilers Rumours Surrounding Leon Draisaitl
Reporter Ryan Rishaug gives us our rumours for today on what is happening between the Edmonton Oilers and Leon Draisaitl regarding contract talks. What Rishaug is reporting is that Draisaitl has talked with the club, but in terms of formal contract negotiations, nothing has begun as of yet.
On Draisaitl extension, sounds like the two sides have been in touch but actual negotiations haven’t started yet, those will commence here shortly. So any notion that it’s close to done is premature as of today.
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) July 31, 2024
The Edmonton Oilers came within a game of winning the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup championship against the Florida Panthers. However, in today’s tightened salary cap world, given the lack of consistent cap increases impacted by Covid, staying on top can be a very fragile process. The Oilers, under the guidance of previous general manager Ken Holland, and then CEO Jeff Jackson, have done great at maintaining a potentially dominant roster. Adding players like Jeff Skinner or Matthew Savoie and keeping Adam Henrique are great examples of that accomplishment. Now, new GM Stan Bowman’s great task in front of him will be re-signing the great Leon Draisaitl to a deal. The trick will be finding a deal that works for both club and player.
How Will the Edmonton Oilers Contract Talk Rumours Impact the Roster
According to puckpedia, it seems the Oilers situation is already tricky. They report the Oilers being over the cap by around $350K with 21 of 23 roster spots filled. Now, of course that is a manageable amount and nothing for fans to worry about in July. Regardless, it points to the possibility of a big raise for Draisaitl being difficult.
Draisaitl currently makes $8.5 million on his contract that expires next summer in 2025. Furthermore, the Oilers captain, Connor McDavid, makes $12.5 million, and his contract expires after the 2025-26 campaign. Yes, the salary cap will increase over the next couple seasons. However, if the Oilers are to remain competitive, they will need to have money to spread around. For example, if the Oilers do have the success they expect over the next couple of seasons, key components like Stuart Skinner or Evan Bouchard would be in line for hefty raises.
The Balance Between Player and Team
Therefore, between McDavid and Draisaitl, it seems they have to be on the same page. Both want raises from their current contracts, but not so much that it impacts the roster dynamics. The Oilers have had problems with depth, even as recent as before this past season’s trade deadline. Moreover, they can’t afford not paying crucial big minute players not named McDavid or Draisaitl.
It seems that Draisaitl will need to take somewhat a team friendly deal to stay in Edmonton. In saying that, what that number is ultimately, might be somewhat player friendly as well. Based on Draisaitl’s consistent ability to perform in the playoffs, having him paid amongst the league’s top earners is not uncalled for. This might put him above McDavid’s current level of around $13-14 million per year. It might be in Draisaitl’s best interest to take a shorter deal in order to maximize his earning over the next couple seasons. Then, if the team can come through and reach the ultimate level of success, in terms of a Stanley Cup, he will have earned the ability to ask for more money later on in his career. It seems this might not be the last we hear about Edmonton Oilers rumours this summer.
Main photo: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
