The Edmonton Oilers have signed centre Leon Draisaitl to an eight-year contract extension, through the 2024-25 season, with an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million.
The 21-year old native of Cologne, Germany completed his third National Hockey League (NHL) season in 2016-17, setting career highs with 77 points (29G, 48A), also finishing with a +7 plus-minus rating and 20 penalty minutes in 82 games. He finished second in team scoring behind only Connor McDavid and ranked eighth among all NHL scorers. He also set a new record for points by a German player in an NHL season, surpassing the record of 59 points, set by Marco Sturm in 2006.
The 6'1", 216-pound forward tied for the team lead with 27 power play points (3G, 24A) and also had five game-winning goals, three of which came in overtime. His 27 power play points ranked tied for eighth in the NHL.
He also led the Oilers in scoring during the 2017 playoffs, posting 16 points (6G, 10A) in 13 games.
Over 191 career regular season games with the Oilers, he has accumulated 137 points (50G, 87A) and 44 penalty minutes.
Draisaitl has played internationally for Germany at three World Hockey Championships (2014, 2016, 2017), two World Junior Hockey Championships (2013, 2014) and two Under 18 World Hockey Championships (2012, 2013). He was also the youngest member of Team Europe at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, contributing two goals in six games, reaching the final against Team Canada.
Draisaitl was selected by the Oilers in the first round, 3rd overall in the 2014 NHL Draft.
Oilers sign Leon Draisaitl to contract extension
The Edmonton Oilers have signed centre Leon Draisaitl to an eight-year contract extension, through the 2024-25 season, with an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million