The Edmonton Oilers announced on Tuesday that all-star forward Leon Draisaitl has signed an eight-year, $112 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid player in the NHL. The new contract begins with the 2025-26 season and runs through 2033.
The Oilers posted on social media: “
LEON’S LOCKED IN The #Oilers have signed forward Leon Draisaitl to an eight-year contract extension beginning in 2025-26 with an average annual value of $14 million.” The $14 million annual salary for Draisaitl is the highest in NHL history. The total value of $112 million is the second-richest in league history, trailing only Alex Ovechkin’s 13-year, $124 million deal that was signed in January 2008.
Oilers gneral manager Stan Bowman said in a press release: “This is an historic day for the Edmonton Oilers. Leon’s commitment to our team, our city and Oilers fans everywhere cannot be overstated. His desire to help bring a Stanley Cup title home to Edmonton is central to everything he does both on and off the ice.”
Draisaitl, 28, totaled 41 goals and 65 assists over 81 appearances last season for the Oilers; he also scored 10 goals and 21 assists in the playoffs, helping the Oilers reach the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2006.
Draisaitl – the 2019-20 winner of the Hart Memorial Trophy, Ted Lindsay Award and Art Ross Trophy — totaled 347 goals and 503 assists through his first 719 appearances for the Oilers. He ranks No. 5 in franchise history in career goals and assists.
The Oilers will host the Winnipeg Jets in a preseason game Sept. 22 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and will host the Jets in their regular-season opener Oct. 9 at Rogers Place.
Editorial credit: GrAl / Shutterstock.com
