We Need To Talk About Leon

When it comes to expiring entry-level contracts, all of the focus will be on Connor McDavid next season, when he is eligible to sign a new deal; however, that topic is overshadowing another stud for the Edmonton Oilers. I’m of course talking about Leon Draisaitl. His entry-level expires this summer and he is now in need of a new contract.

Back-to-back breakout campaigns puts Draisaitl in elite company with all of the other offensive weapons in the NHL. Impressively racking up 70 plus points this season means he has more than earned himself a hefty pay-day for his next contract. While this is obviously exceptional in terms of his development, it does present the Oilers with some implications to consider when negotiations start this summer.

Draisaitl is the one in the driver seat now. He has all of the leverage he needs to get what he wants. A stellar playoff performance will only up his value even more in terms of contract status.

Even though there is still a lot of time until next season, talks between Peter Chiarelli and Draisaitl will revolve around McDavid. The deal the Oilers make this summer will be heavily connected to McDavid’s negotiations next year as Chiarelli and Draisaitl will discuss diligently how to make everything work for both sides financially. The priority is to get both star players locked up long term, but Chiarelli needs to take cautious steps with Draisaitl so that there are no disputes or future implications for Connor’s contract and the team cap.

The problem Chiarelli faces is the complexity of financially planning around the future of the team and whether or not negotiations will run smoothly. I hate to think negatively but young players are unpredictable these days. A hold out or bitter contract talks is always a threat when dealing with a young star. We’ve seen it with Ryan Johansen, Jonathan Drouin, Drew Doughty, Jacob Trouba, etc. Draisaitl knows his worth and what he means to the Edmonton Oilers. The point is to make sure that the deal gets done on good terms and is a positive impact for the organization, not a distraction.

A bridge deal with Draisaitl would be considered a failure on the Oilers part in my books, as it only prolongs the inevitable of what Leon will eventually get paid anyway or make him more expensive. It also puts a strain on the relationship between the player and the organization because of the lack of agreement between both sides and the ability to compromise with each other.

A bridge deal only happens when a team and a player simply cannot come to preferred terms with each other or the player hasn’t proven enough yet to justify an expensive long term deal. Leon has already shown he is the real deal and yet there are still great heights for him to reach. A “show me you’re worth 7 years” bridge contract is out of the question.

There is not a chance in purgatory that we see another Hall, Eberle or Nuge scenario where the Oilers can lock up an elite talent for a mere 6 million. Johnny Gaudreau of the Calgary Flames increased the standard when he signed his 6 year contract for 6.75 million per season last year. We could see Draisaitl increase that standard yet again this summer. 7 million or more is the magic number.

Both parties would be wise to not flex their muscles too much at the negotiating table this summer. A considerable amount of thought must be pre-determined in order for things to work financially long term.

This isn’t the first time a team has had to maneuver around the cap very carefully when it comes to re-signing young stars. The Chicago Blackhawks made it work with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane and the Pittsburgh Penguins made it work with Crosby and Malkin. The same can and will be said for Draisaitl and McDavid.

A one-two punch is worth everything and the Oilers have that opportunity in the palm of their hands to keep it together for many years to come. The only kicker is that they must be cautious and delicate in handling negotiations with Draisaitl. Undervaluing him will only result in bad blood an either a holdout or expensive bridge contract signed. If Draisaitl is unfair or unrealistic with his demands, it will surely cause a rift between him and the organization.

Draisaitl will seek at least 7 million per season for the max length of 8 years. Based on his success, his camp could ask for 7.5 or 8 initially, although Chiarelli will not settle for that high of a price. Gaudreau’s contract will be an important benchmark in the negotiations with Draisaitl.

Its very early and almost too tough to call at this point. Standards for young stars first contracts after their entry level is always changing. We could see Draisaitl raise the standard yet again. Does he get 7.5 or 8 million? Very unlikely, but those numbers will come up in negotiations. After all, every young stars goal is to get paid handsomely to start.

I think both sides will settle on 7 million for 7 years; but honestly, as long as Draisaitl becomes the second highest paid player on the team, I think he will be more than happy and be relatively simple to sign. When it is all said and done, the future revolves around McDavid and Draisaitl. They represent the core within the core. The dynamic kings of Edmonton. What makes them an even more special duo then others is they lead the NHL in total points as a unit this year. Priority number 1 is to lock up both players long term no matter what. Chiarelli is a smart man, he will make it work.