Oilers GM Prioritizing Leon Draisaitl Contract Negotiations.
The Edmonton Oilers took a surprising turn by appointing Stan Bowman as their new general manager. He joins the organization with the goal of leading the Oilers to their first Stanley Cup since 1990, ending a 34-year championship drought.
Addressing this challenge begins with contract negotiations for star forward Leon Draisaitl, who is entering the final year of his current contract and is due for a significant raise and long-term extension. Keeping Draisaitl and Connor McDavid together is crucial for the team’s postseason success, something Bowman is well aware of.
In his introductory press conference, Bowman was asked about Draisaitl, emphasizing the player’s importance to the team and expressing his desire to secure a long-term deal. “Starting with Leon,” he stated, “Leon’s a top priority for me. I want Leon to be an Oiler for life.”
This statement aligns with the team’s ongoing intention to negotiate an extension, though the specifics of the negotiations remain private. A potential sticking point could be the average annual value of the new contract. Draisaitl currently has a salary cap hit of $8.5 million, making it the second highest on the team, but still $4 million less than McDavid’s cap hit of $12.5 million.
Recent contract comparisons further complicate the situation. For instance, Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs signed a four-year deal worth $13.25 million per year last season, making him the highest-paid player in the league. Additionally, William Nylander received an eight-year extension with an average annual value of $11.5 million.
Given these factors, Draisaitl is likely to command at least $12 million or more per season in a new contract. The Oilers have little leverage to negotiate a lower salary. Draisaitl ranks second in points scored over the last five seasons and has consistently performed at a high level in the playoffs, making it reasonable for his representatives to pursue a salary that exceeds those of McDavid or Matthews.
This situation presents a significant challenge for the Oilers’ GM. While securing a new deal for Draisaitl is a priority, Bowman must also consider the long-term implications of adding another high-priced contract. The lack of depth in their lineup was a key factor in the team’s defeat to the Florida Panthers, and Bowman faces the difficult task of balancing the roster while navigating one of the most critical contract negotiations of his career. It’s a demanding start to his tenure as the Oilers’ general manager.
