"We're individual people": Leon Draisaitl reflects on his historic extension, Connor McDavid's future
Leon Draisaitl discussed his eight-year, $112 million contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers, making him the highest-paid player in NHL history when the contract kicks in next season. In a podcast interview on "Oilers Now" with host Bob Stauffer on September 3, Draisaitl reflects on his historic extension and talks about fellow teammate Connor McDavid's future.
"Yeah, I mean, there's conversations, of course, about it. You know, this is a big, big moment in my life." Draisaitl said. "It's going to be a big moment in his life. And I said it before, I think it's obvious that at the end of the day, we're, you know, on that one day where we sign or don't sign, you know, we're individual people, and then we have to make the decision what's best for us and our families."
Leon Draisaitl hopes McDavid, who'll be a free agent two years from now, will also stay with the team long-term.
"But you know, you know my answer to this. I sure hope that he follows along. And, you know, I can, we can go right, or his eyes for a long, long time." Draisaitl added.
Draisaitl and McDavid have grown close, both on and off the ice. Their partners Lauren Kyle and Celeste Desjardins are also close friends.
Leon Draisaitl takes pride in being an Oiler
Leon Draisaitl's eight-year contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers is worth $14 million per year. He was in the final year of his eight-year, $68 million contract extension he signed in August 2017.
"I take great pride in being an Oiler" Draisaitl said. (via NHL.com) "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. I'm really, really excited and happy to hopefully be an Oiler for life.
Last season, Leon Draisaitl scored 106 points in 81 regular-season games, ranking seventh in the NHL. He added 31 points in 25 playoff games.
Oilers lost to Florida Panthers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals last season. He feels there is "unfinished business" and is ready to work hard to achieve more with the team.