Leon Draisaitl Signs Historic $112M Oilers Extension
Perry Nelson—USA TODAY Sports
With the NHL season approaching and fewer than 40 days until opening night, the Edmonton Oilers made a franchise-altering move. The Oilers signed star center Leon Draisaitl to an eight-year, $112 million contract extension, the highest average annual value in NHL history, according to Spotrac.
The deal locks Draisaitl in at $14 million per year, bringing long-term stability to a championship-contending roster.
It also ends speculation about his future in Edmonton following last season’s Stanley Cup Final appearance.
Draisaitl has one season remaining on his current contract, with a cap hit of $8.5 million before the extension begins. Once active, the deal keeps him under contract until the 2032-33 season.
Stability With Connor McDavid
Perhaps most importantly, the extension ensures the Oilers’ superstar duo remains intact. Draisaitl will stay paired with Connor McDavid, the NHL’s best player, for at least two more seasons.
McDavid is eligible for free agency following the 2025–26 season, making this commitment even more significant. Edmonton now has clarity, continuity, and leverage as it continues pursuing a Stanley Cup.
“I love nothing more than wearing that jersey and representing our city,” Draisaitl said. “I’m really excited and happy to hopefully be an Oiler for life.”
Leon Draisaitl’s Decade of Elite Production
Draisaitl has transformed into one of hockey’s elite forwards since his selection third overall in the 2014 NHL Draft. The German native is a five-time All-Star and one of the league’s most consistent scorers.
In 2020, he captured the Art Ross Trophy with 110 points. That same season, he also won the Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award. Across 719 regular-season games, Draisaitl has totaled 850 points, including 347 goals. He has added 108 playoff points in 74 postseason games.
His playoff production has been critical during Edmonton’s recent deep postseason runs. Draisaitl already holds the franchise record for power-play goals with 146. That total surpasses legends like Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and even McDavid.
Since the 2018–19 season, Draisaitl has ranked second in the NHL in total points, trailing only McDavid. Together, they form the most dangerous offensive pairing in hockey.
Over the last five regular seasons, Edmonton owns a 220–121–32 record, reaching the playoffs in each of them.
Falling Short, But Closer Than Ever
Despite postseason success, winning the Stanley Cup remains a daunting task. Edmonton lost in the 2022 Conference Finals and finished one win short last season.
The Oilers famously erased a 0–3 Finals deficit against Florida before losing Game 7 by one goal. McDavid still captured the Conn Smythe Trophy, an unprecedented feat for a losing finalist.
“I have a hard time picturing myself in a different jersey,” Draisaitl said. “For as long as I can, I want to be an Oiler.”
Before Draisaitl’s arrival, Edmonton missed the playoffs for eight straight seasons. Since then, the franchise has been reborn as a perennial contender.
The Oilers now set their sights on their first Stanley Cup since 1990. Draisaitl’s commitment keeps their championship window open.