New Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman has provided an update on the contract negotiations with star player Leon Draisaitl, indicating that there are currently no issues to report. In his discussion with agent Mike Liut, Bowman stated, “I had a good conversation (with Liut), and we’re starting things off, and the timing on that will be what it will be.” He added, “I don’t have an update of where it’s going to be or the timing on that, but there is nothing negative to report, certainly.”
Bowman was appointed as the Oilers’ general manager in late July, following his reinstatement by the NHL after a previous ban related to the Chicago Blackhawks’ 2010 sexual assault scandal.
Draisaitl has one season remaining on his eight-year contract, which carries an average annual value of $8.5 million. He is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent when his current deal expires, having been able to sign a new extension since July 1.
During Bowman’s introductory press conference, he emphasized that securing a new contract for Draisaitl was his “top priority,” expressing his desire for the German superstar to “be an Oiler for life,” according to TSN.
On Monday, Bowman reiterated his commitment to Draisaitl, stating, “Leon is a super-talented player, a huge part of what we’re doing, and he has been and will be for some time, and that hasn’t changed at all.” He acknowledged the difficulty of finding star players in the NHL and underscored the importance of retaining them.
Draisaitl has consistently been among the league’s top performers, finishing in the top eight point-getters for six consecutive seasons. He has surpassed the 100-point threshold five times, including a 106-point season last year.
In the playoffs, Draisaitl has also demonstrated his value to the Oilers. He recorded 10 goals and 31 points in 25 games during Edmonton’s playoff run to the Stanley Cup Final this spring, and he scored an impressive 13 goals in 12 games the previous year. Despite battling a sprained ankle during the 2022 playoffs, he still managed to accumulate 32 points in 16 games.
Overall, Draisaitl has amassed 850 points, ranking 17th among all active players, in 719 regular-season games and has contributed 108 points in 74 playoff games.
His next contract has the potential to make him the highest-paid player in the NHL, a title currently held by Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews, whose cap hit is $13.25 million.
Draisaitl expressed his appreciation for the Oilers in late June, stating he loves “being an Oiler more than anything.”
Since Draisaitl joined the team in the 2014-15 season, the Oilers have reached the postseason six times and advanced to at least the second round in three straight campaigns.
