An update on the contract negotiations with Leon Draisaitl is given by the Oilers.
Leon Draisaitl’s contract status was discussed by Oilers general manager Stan Bowman with the media on Monday, but it was all talk and no action.
The greatest rumor surrounding the Edmonton Oilers this summer is probably over Leon Draisaitl’s future with the team. The urgency of reaching a contract extension has increased because he has less than a year left on his present agreement.
Therefore, it shouldn’t be shocking that Stan Bowman, the new general manager of the Oilers, will be questioned about Draisaitl whenever possible. Among them was the 2024 Gretzky Hlinka Cup at Rogers Place on Monday.
Bowman did offer an update in this regard—sort of. He stated: “I had a good conversation (with Draisaitl’s agent Mike Liut) and we’re starting things off, and the timing on that will be what it will be,” according to Derek Van Deist of nhl.com. Although I don’t know the exact location or when it will happen, there is definitely nothing unfavorable to report.”
How should one interpret Bowman’s remarks?
Naturally, Bowman’s remarks are open to interpretation by both the media and fans. In our opinion, though, the contentious general manager’s remarks are much ado about nothing and don’t really clarify anything.
If nothing else, it’s positive that the two parties are communicating, particularly in light of recent remarks made by Jiri Poner, another of Draisaitl’s agents. “We have our ideas, but the ball is in Edmonton’s court,” Poner stated at the beginning of the month in an interview with the German hockey media site Eishockey NEWS. Although there’s no urgency just now, it has to happen soon—by the end of August, for example—or it won’t work out at all.”
There has been a lot of conjecture on the type of agreement that Draisaitl is seeking. We are rather certain that he will sign an eight-year deal with the Oilers, just like he does with his present one.
purely financial in nature!
The amount that the 2020 Hart Memorial Trophy winner will earn on average per year is less certain. It is anticipated that he will receive a minimum of $12 million and maybe up to $14.5 million each season.
Of course, given the budgetary constraints imposed by the yearly pay ceiling, this is easier said than done. Add to this the fact that the Oilers, only a season later, still need to find even more money for a certain Connor McDavid.
At least Bowman understands how crucial it is to convince Draisaitl to resign; otherwise, he would face unending criticism, especially because so many people are eager to find any reason to be critical of him. “Leon is an extremely skilled player who plays a major role in what we do. He has been and will continue to be for a while, and that hasn’t changed at all,” the speaker stated. In my opinion, it’s very difficult to find stars in the NHL, therefore maintaining them is the main objective.”
The widespread consensus is that Draisaitl and the Oilers will reach a deal that will keep him in Edmonton for the majority of his playing career. Nonetheless, we acknowledge that, at least until the five-time NHL All-Star officially signs a new contract, there will likely be some anxiety among the team’s supporters.
