Oilers GM Stan Bowman comments on Draisaitl contract talks

Bowman spoke to Derek Van Diest in a new interview about the status of the Draisaitl negotiations, and had only positive news to report.

Unfortunately Bowman had no update about the timeline of when a deal will be completed, but Draisaitl's agent has previously stated that it should be done before September. Multiple other reports have begun surfacing as to the term and salary for Draisaitl, suggesting a deal could be close.

Leon Draisaitl is entering the final year of an eight year contract that paid him a bargain salary of only $8.25M. On his next contract he could fairly earn up to $14M annually, but the Edmonton Oilers can offer him another 8 year contract to bring the cap hit lower - and there's rumours that he could consider another team friendly deal to keep the team as a cup contender. If he takes a discount, his contract will come in under $14M. Draisaitl will be 30 years old when his next contract kicks in, and if he signs for another 8 years, he will be an Oiler for life.

At the end of the day, the Oilers will be prepared to offer Draisaitl whatever it takes to keep him in Edmonton long term. After Draisaitl, the Oilers need to sign Connor McDavid, Evan Bouchard, and Stuart Skinner the next offseason. Locking down Draisaitl will be a harbinger of the rest, and the Oilers could compete for multiple Stanley Cups with their core secured.

Source: NHL.com Interview