Edmonton Oilers reportedly making announcement on Leon Draisaitl contract

The 2 Mutts Podcast has recently been correct on multiple inside Oilers reports, including the hiring of Stan Bowman and the trade to acquire Ty Emberson from the San Jose Sharks. Originally, the source had reported Draisaitl could be taking a discount of under $14M, but now it seems he'll be doing the team no favours.

Even if Leon Draisaitl doesn't take an annual salary discount, Oilers fans will be ecstatic to hear their superstar is locked up for the long term. Drafted third overall by the Oilers in 2019 and panned as overrated by much of the NHL, Draisaitl has grown into one of the league's most prolific scorers, and arguably the second best player in the game behind only his teammate Connor McDavid.

He was signed early on his career before truly breaking out to an 8 year deal for $8.5M a year, and it's now become one of the best value contracts in the NHL now. It's okay if now Draisaitl wants to be paid his full worth because whatever his salary is - he's worth it.

With Captain's Skates slated to begin in the upcoming week and training camp not far behind, this was really the deadline for the Oilers and Draisaitl to strike a deal on a contract extension. Draisaitl's agent had made it clear they were not willing to negotiate in-season, so completing the deal before training camp avoids walking him to free agency.

Hopefully the new deal for Leon is officially announced within the next few days, and brings a hopeful start to the new season. With Draisaitl signed, Connor McDavid won't be far behind, and the Oilers will be slotted as cup contenders for the rest of their careers.

Source for salaries and stats: PuckPedia - Leon Draisaitl