Insider reveals Leon Draisaitl denied one aspect in contract extension

PUBLICATION

Liam McCormick
September 5, 2024 (11:18)

SHARE THIS STORY

Leon Draisaitl has now officially signed a contract extension to remain an Edmonton Oilers for life, but one NHL insider is saying he denied one aspect in negotiations.

According to a recent report from Frank Seravalli on OilersNow, the Edmonton Oilers explored using deferred money in Leon Draisaitl's contract extension. Seravalli alluded that Draisaitl was not willing to accept deferred payments.

»The Oilers and Draisaitl did talk about deferred money. I think in the end, what it comes down to is you also have to have a player that has a willingness to have that money be paid out over time. Traditionally, because of inflation . . . The best thing to do is get as much money as you can as quickly as you can.»
- Frank Seravalli

In this case specifically, it makes sense that Draisaitl would like the money up front. Seravalli had proposed the Oilers could reduce Draisaitl's annual cap hit to $10M by paying him until the 2070s, but when it comes to deferred payments that long, inflation and other issues become a consideration. Seth Jarvis' recent contract with the Hurricanes was a groundbreaking contract for deferred money, but it won't work in every situation - especially when the annual amount is so much higher.

When Draisaitl's extension kicks in next season, he will briefly be the highest paid player in the NHL until Connor McDavid signs. Even considering the major salary commitments to these players, it's entirely worth it for the Oilers. By all accounts, re-signing Leon Draisaitl will guarantee that his best friend Connor McDavid will be staying with him. The Oilers will be cup contenders for a long time with those two players, and that's all that really matters.