Edmonton Oilers: How McDavid’s Contract Affects Draisaitl

Reports filed out Wednesday that the Edmonton Oilers and Connor McDavid were discussing a long-term, multi-million dollar contract extension.

The reported details state that Edmonton is ready to sign McDavid an eight-year extension worth $106 million in total. He would be making $13.25 million per year, making him one of the highest- paid players in the NHL. McDavid, who still has one year remaining on his entry-level deal, would see the new deal take effect at the start of the 2018-19 campaign.

Though the deal is great for the 20-year-old, who is deserving of the money considering his 100-point sophomore season and impact on the franchise, it does raise concern. First off, McDavid’s new contract would eat a big part of the salary cap. Then comes the concern of having to re-sign free agents. Of course, the biggest worry surrounds around one of their current restricted free agents: Leon Draisaitl.

Edmonton Oilers

Cap Concerns

The German forward had a breakout season with Edmonton, posting 29 goals and 77 points through 82 games. He proved to be a huge factor on the top line with McDavid but also possesses the ability and vision to carry his own line and be a top-six centre. The Oilers have already said they plan to lock him up long-term, but of course, now there are some complications.

First off, general manager Peter Chiarelli is prepared to match any offer sheet; however, if a team offers him over $8-9 million per season, the Oilers will be expected to match. That being said, they will be paying around $21 million per season for just two players.

That would be a disastrous situation and creates a lot of problems. First off, the Oilers could not afford to keep all of the pieces they have now, and in turn, would lose a lot of depth. And, with so much space being taken up, they will not be able to afford free agents to replace them.

Draisaitl can get a long-term deal and offer sheet from any other team, and they are likely willing to pay for a player of his calibre. Chiarelli should most likely get a move on and start negotiating a new, less expensive deal before July 1, or he will end up paying more by matching an offer sheet. Draisaitl may also take a long-term deal for less, but he will certainly see at least $7 million AAV.

What seems to be the least likely option is signing Draisaitl to a bridge deal. He finished in the top 10 for league scoring and played a huge part in McDavid’s point production. Unless he really loves playing in Edmonton so much that he wouldn’t mind a bridge deal, Draisaitl will want to see a pay raise and a long-term deal.

Next: Edmonton Oilers: McDavid to Sign Blockbuster Extension?

Free agency starts July 1, and by then, the Oilers have to figure out this issue, or things could get hectic.