Edmonton Oilers and Draisaitl: Navigating the Future with a Short-Term Contract
The future of Leon Draisaitl with the Edmonton Oilers has sparked intense discussions, especially with the star player potentially deviating from a long-term commitment.
As NHL insider David Pagnotta pointed out on a recent episode of the Hello Hockey Podcast, Draisaitl's preference leans toward a shorter contract duration.
Approaching his 30s as his next contract begins, Draisaitl, much like Auston Matthews, sees a shorter deal as more advantageous. This strategy not only allows for a hefty salary in the near term but also offers flexibility for future negotiations, potentially aligning him for another significant contract later in his career.
Throughout the last six seasons, Draisaitl has consistently performed at a 100-point pace, positioning himself as one of the league's elite talents. Such performance benchmarks set him on course to surpass Connor McDavid as the highest-paid player in the NHL, with expectations of his next deal reaching or exceeding $14 million annually.
Remaining with the Oilers appears to be a priority for Draisaitl. The team not only offers him a prime platform for personal success but also a strong shot at the Stanley Cup. After years of playing under a contract many consider undervalued, Draisaitl is poised to prioritize his financial and career autonomy with a lucrative, albeit shorter, contract.
Although an eight-year commitment is off the table, the prospect of Draisaitl signing even a shorter-term deal should still be a cause for celebration among Oilers fans. Such a contract ensures that Draisaitl continues to contribute his formidable skills to the team while securing his own interests, a win-win scenario for both the player and the franchise.
Source: David Pagnotta
Pagnotta speaks on Draisaitl contract talks
| POLL | ||
Do you think Draisaitl will sign a long term or short term contract next? | ||
| Long term | 60 | 31.7 % |
| Short term | 129 | 68.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
