Photo: Sports Illustrated
The Edmonton Oilers made Leon Draisaitl the highest paid player in the NHL starting next season on Tuesday after they signed the 28-year-old to an eight-year contract extension that comes with a $14 million cap hit. Draisaitl was eligible to hit unrestricted free agency on July 1, 2025 and will count $8.5 million against the salary cap this season.
Draisaitl’s 41 goals ranked 14th in the league, 65 assists was good for eighth, and 106 points were seventh in 74 games last season. In 719 career NHL regular-season games, he has earned 503 assists and 850 points.
During Edmonton’s run to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final this past Spring, Draisaitl’s 10 goals tied Florida Panthers right-wing Sam Reinhart and Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston for third league-wide. He finished third in both assists (21) and points (31) in 25 games. In 74 career postseason games, Draisaitl has earned 41 goals and 108 points.
For the 2025-26 season, Edmonton will be dedicating $35.75 million of their cap space to Draisaitl, captain Connor McDavid (who can sign a contract extension anytime starting July 1), and defenseman Darnell Nurse.
Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews has the highest cap hit in the league for this season at $13.25 million.
By Harrison Brown
