Oilers announcement with Leon Draisaitl may be imminent

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Liam McCormick
July 30, 2024 (9:59)

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Over the last 24 hours, multiple sources have begun to leak contract terms for Leon Draisaitl's extension with the Oilers, meaning an announcement could be imminent.

Yesterday afternoon, Oilers insider Bob Stauffer revealed that Draisaitl's agent confirmed he will be signing a long-term contract. In a new interview, GM Stan Bowman confirmed that Draisaitl is committed to Edmonton, and will be signing for 8 years.

Now, one prominent account on X is claiming to break the full details, with Draisaitl re-signing at $13.8M for the next 8 years.

If Draisaitl is signing for $13.8M, he's taking the full value that's he worth - it is not a team friendly contract. There have been previous reports that Draisaitl would be open to taking less on a long term contract, but considering the Oilers can offer an 8th year no other team can, a discounted number would be anything under $13M. Still, no fans will be worried about his salary - it's just fantastic news that Draisaitl is a lifelong Oiler.

With all these developments, it sounds like the Oilers are merely finalizing the deal with Leon Draisaitl at this moment. Once Draisaitl returns to Edmonton after McDavid's wedding in Ontario, it's possible they put pen to paper relatively quickly. This would also line up with statements from Draisaitl's agent, who said he expected a deal to be finalized in August.

We'll have to see in the coming hours or days, but it feels like an extension is coming very soon. Once Draisaitl is locked up for another eight years, Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard will follow shortly behind him, and the Oilers will be competing for multiple Stanley Cups for the rest of their careers.