Oilers GM Stan Bowman finally addresses Leon Draisaitl contract extension talks

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Aug 06, 2024 14:46 GMT

Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman has begun talks to secure Leon Draisaitl to a long-term contract. At the 2024 Gretzky Hlinka Cup, Bowman said he had a good initial conversation with Draisaitl's agent, Mike Liut.

Leon Draisaitl is entering the final season of his eight-year, $68-million contract signed in 2017 and has been eligible for re-signing since July 1. His future with the Oilers is a key focus for Bowman, who replaced Ken Holland as GM on July 24.

Although he didn’t provide details on the progress or timeline, Bowman shared that both sides are just waiting for the perfect timing.

“I had a good conversation (with Draisaitl’s agent Mike Liut) and we’re starting things off and the timing on that will be what it will be,” Bowman said. “I don’t have an update of where it’s going to be or the timing on that, but there is nothing negative to report, certainly."

Bowman pointed out Leon Draisaitl's key role in Edmonton's roster. Draisaitl was crucial in their run to Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals.

“Leon is a super-talented player, a huge part of what we’re doing, and he has been and will be for some time and that hasn’t changed at all,” Bowman continued. “I think it’s really hard to find stars in the NHL, so when you have them, the goal is to keep them."

The 28-year-old scored 106 points in 81 regular-season games and added 31 points in the playoffs. Bowman also wants to re-sign captain Connor McDavid with contract talks expected to start next offseason.

Stan Bowman also compares Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid to Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane

Stan Bowman has a ton of experience under his belt having served as GM of the Chicago Blackhawks and led the team to three Stanley Cup wins. He compared Draisaitl and McDavid's careers to the early successes of Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane with his former team.

“There are some similarities for sure; Kane and Toews were younger than Leon and Connor were, so they hit the ground running in their young years,” Bowman said.

“Most of the success we had were their first five, six, or seven years in the league. Where Connor and Leon are now, they’re more established in their careers, not just them, [Zach] Hyman and [Ryan] Nugent-Hopkins, you go down the list and there is some pretty good experience with this group,” Bowman added.

This offseason, the Oilers addressed its need for a stronger supporting cast and signed Viktor Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner.