The Edmonton Oilers are facing a challenging offseason with a limited cap space and several key players in need of new contracts. Negotiations have begun with veteran winger Leon Draisaitl for a long-term extension near the league maximum, reflecting his importance as a core player alongside Connor McDavid. The team is projecting a total of $40M for new deals for their star trio, with McDavid, Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard set to receive significant portions. The Oilers are looking to secure their core quickly to manage future financial obligations effectively.

By the Numbers
  • $40M projected for new deals for McDavid, Draisaitl, and Bouchard
  • The league salary cap is projected to reach $92M by the 2025-26 season
Yes, But

The Oilers will need to carefully navigate their financial commitments to maintain a competitive roster amid increasing player salaries and pending free agents.

State of Play
  • Edmonton is starting contract talks with Draisaitl to secure their core players.
  • The team faces upcoming challenges with superstars McDavid and Bouchard also needing new deals in the next few years.
  • The Oilers have a limited cap space but are hopeful for future increases to aid in managing their budget.
What's Next

Future negotiations and contract extensions will be crucial for the Oilers to balance their financial commitments while building a competitive team around their star players.

Bottom Line

Securing long-term deals for key players like Draisaitl is essential for the Oilers to solidify their core and navigate the financial challenges posed by upcoming contract renewals for their superstar trio, ensuring stability and competitiveness in the long run.