Insider reveals Leon Draisaitl denied one aspect in contract extension

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.

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.