Leon Draisaitl can begin contract negotiations at the end of this season, and now, Oilers insider Bob Stauffer is reporting he may even take a discount.
Stauffer is reporting that Leon Draisaitl could get signed for a value of $12.5M, and that even Evan Bouchard could be for $8M, both on long term contracts. It had previously been reported that Draisaitl could seek up to $14M a year annually, and Evan Bouchard could likely command more than $8M on the open market, but both Oilers stars seem willing to stay in Edmonton.
Of course, the Oilers paying Draisaitl $12.5M over 8 years adds up to more than a team paying him $14M for 7 years in free agency - and that's a big advantage the Oilers will have in re-signing both players. To get Leon Draisaitl signed for less than Auston Matthews and Evan Bouchard to a bargain of a deal at $8M, the Oilers and their fans would be ecstatic.
Given his star status, plenty of other team have been rumoured to have interest in Draisaitl if he hits the open market. However, if they're coming off a Stanley Cup and the Oilers are still offering the most hard cash, it may be an easy decision for Leon to stay in Edmonton. Recently, NHL insider Frank Seravalli said he simply can't see Leon leaving Edmonton given his success and close relationship with Connor McDavid.
However, for the next few weeks, all business sides of hockey will disappear for the Oilers. The organization's sole focus, from top to bottom, is the play on the ice in the Stanley Cup Final. If the Oilers make good on this opportunity, they'll be legends forever - in the NHL record books, and to the city of Edmonton.
