Insider reports Oilers superstars feelings about taking discounts on contracts

PUBLICATION

Liam McCormick
July 18, 2024 (10:47)

SHARE THIS STORY

The Edmonton Oilers will soon have Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid, and Evan Bouchard to sign for new contracts, and in the salary cap era it's become incredibly difficult to win with such highly paid players.

However, according to the 2 Mutts Hockey Poscast, all core Oilers players are willing to take team-friendly deals with a goal to win multiple Cups together.

To this point, insiders have speculated that Leon Draisaitl will re-sign for $14M, Connor McDavid will get around $16M, and Evan Bouchard will command $10M. Just a few days ago, David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period reported that Leon Draisaitl will be signing a short-term deal to maximize his earnings, which would conflict this recent report from the 2 Mutts Podcast. In Draisaitl's case, he's been playing at a significant discount his entire career so far.

»Unless something's changed since the start of the playoffs, it's more likely to see a Auston Matthews-esque type of extension . . . anywhere from a three to five year extension versus a full eight.»
- David Pagnotta

The original reports of the Oilers salaries would seem like fair contract values for their production, but it would be unprecedented across the NHL to have $40M invested in only 3 players. If they can get any player to shave off any value from their annual salary, it would be extremely helpful to round out the rest of the roster.

For these reasons, the next Oilers General Manager hire will be absolutely crucial. Jeff Jackson has proven his competence with his moves so far, but he wants a new General Manager to lead the contract extension talks with their superstars. The first order of business will be Leon Draisaitl, who needs to be signed before September 1st. If he takes any less than $14M, it will be a discount for the Oilers.

Source: 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast

Oilers feelings on taking contract discounts