The Edmonton Oilers are coming off extending the Stanley Cup Final all the way to Game 7, but they must keep working if they want to keep their contending window open. The first order of business for the franchise is securing Leon Draisaitl’s future with the German’s contract set to expire on July 2025.
According to Daily Faceoff insider Frank Seravalli, appearing on SN960 The FAN’s Big Show, Draisaitl’s next deal could come with an average annual value (AAV) that may reach or even exceed $14 million, potentially surpassing Auston Matthews’ record-setting $13.25 million AAV.
“I think in the end the number is going to end up being probably one that starts with a 14, if not just a shade under it,” Seravalli said. “But I think if the Oilers were thinking heading into this process that he’s going to take a significant team-friendly discount, I think the early indications are that’s not the case.”
Despite the higher-than-expected figure from the franchise’s perspective, and without any discount on the horizon, there is still optimism that a deal can be reached before the start of training camp.
“I think it’s definitely been a little slower going than I had envisioned, probably even the Oilers,” Seravalli said. “I think what they’re shooting for is to get something done before the start of training camp and as of right now, I think that certainly remains on the table.”
Update on Leon Draisaitl & his contract extension talks.
8 years, $13.5M AAV is the deal that gets this done, here’s why.
Leon Draisaitl is scheduled to be in Edmonton within the next couple of days. This was a week that was very important to get this done.
Talks will pick…— 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast (@2MuttsHockeyPod) August 26, 2024
As far as the negotiations go and the timeline for reaching an agreement, the 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast reporter on August 26 that Draisaitl has given the Oilers a September 19 deadline or else he will not negotiate until next summer.
“If there is no deal to be signed before September 19th Leon won’t negotiate during the season,” the podcast account wrote on X. “The goal is to get this done before that date as Leon doesn’t want this to be a problem or a distraction going into training camp.”
The Oilers forward is entering the final season of his eight-year, $68 million contract with the franchise.
