NHL Insider "100%" about Connor McDavid's Oilers future after Leon Draisaitl's $112M extension 

By Abhishek Dilta

Modified Sep 04, 2024 03:45 GMT

NHL Insider Frank Seravalli of the Daily Faceoff expressed strong confidence that Connor McDavid will sign a new contract with the Edmonton Oilers following Leon Draisaitl's recent extension.

After much speculation and anticipation, Draisaitl signed an eight-year, $112 million deal, which translates to an average annual value of $14 million. The contract's significance solidifies Draisaitl's position with the team and makes him the highest-paid player in the NHL.

The contract will take effect at the start of the 2025–26 season. With the German forward's deal in place, Seravalli reckons that Connor McDavid will soon follow suit and secure a new deal with the Oilers (via Edmonton Journal):

“It’s now a 100 percent shot that Connor McDavid re-signs with the Edmonton Oilers,” Seravalli said to Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now. “Because there is no chance that he’s leaving. I didn’t think there was to begin with. And certainly not now with Leon Draisaitl looked up for the long term…. There’s no way that Leon is signing if there is a chance that Connor is not.”

McDavid has two years remaining on his $12.5 AAV contract with the club. He'll be eligible to sign a new deal as early as July 1 next year. Given his status as one of the league's top and consistent players, his new deal is highly anticipated and could potentially exceed Leon Draisaitl's contract in value.

Connor McDavid's teammate Leon Draisaitl is proud to be an Oiler for life

The German forward expressed his deep pride in being a member of the Edmonton Oilers, adding that he loves wearing the team's jersey and representing the city and its passionate fans.

After the extension, he said (via NHL.com):

"I take great pride in being an Oiler and always obviously wear my heart on my sleeve, but I love nothing more than wearing that jersey and representing our city and our great fans," Draisaitl said. "I'm really, really excited and happy to hopefully be an Oiler for life.

"I don't know anything other than Edmonton and I feel super proud and excited to wear that jersey every single day. I think we're building something really special and that's just something I want to continue to be a part of and hopefully get it one step further," he added.

Connor McDavid and Draisaitl will be determined to complete their unfinished business of lifting the Stanley Cup in the upcoming season. After coming remarkably close last year, the duo will be focused on making another strong run for the championship together.