BREAKING NEWS :
Leon Draisaitl signs NHL’s biggest deal, says he wants to be an ‘Oiler for life’ see more details
BREAKING NEWS: Leon Draisaitl Signs NHL’s Biggest Deal, Declares: “I Want to Be an Oiler for Life”
EDMONTON, AB — July 9, 2025
In a stunning moment that has sent shockwaves across the NHL, Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl has signed a record-breaking $112 million, eight-year contract extension, making it the largest deal in NHL history by annual average value. The German-born forward, long regarded as one of the league’s premier talents, also delivered a heartwarming message to Oilers fans: “I want to be an Oiler for life.”
A Deal That Resets the Market
The monumental contract carries an annual cap hit of $14 million, surpassing all previous records and positioning Draisaitl as the highest-paid player in league history in terms of yearly earnings. This extension not only cements his place among hockey’s elite but also sends a strong signal about the Oilers’ commitment to long-term championship contention.
The deal follows months of speculation about Draisaitl’s future. With his previous contract set to expire after the 2025–26 season, there was rampant discussion around whether the Oilers could retain both him and Connor McDavid, the team’s captain and Draisaitl’s close friend. This extension, announced just two weeks into NHL free agency, puts those rumors to bed and establishes Edmonton as a franchise built for sustained success.
Draisaitl Speaks from the Heart
In a packed press conference at Rogers Place, Draisaitl was visibly emotional.
> “This city, this team, and these fans have given me everything,” he said. “When I came to Edmonton as a kid from Cologne, I never imagined I’d fall in love with this place the way I have. I don’t want to just win here—I want to live here, build here, and retire here. I want to be an Oiler for life.”
The star forward, who just turned 30, has played his entire NHL career with the Oilers since being drafted third overall in 2014. Over that span, he has accumulated over 900 career points, including a Hart Trophy (MVP) win in 2020 and multiple All-Star appearances. He was also instrumental in leading the Oilers to their first Stanley Cup Final appearance in over three decades in 2024, where they fell just short in a hard-fought seven-game series.
A Message to the Fans
In an emotional video posted to the Oilers’ social media platforms shortly after the announcement, Draisaitl looked directly into the camera and addressed the city of Edmonton:
> “This is where I became a man. You’ve believed in me, even when things weren’t perfect. We’ve built something special here. And I promise you—we’re not done yet. Let’s bring the Cup home.”
Fans across Canada and particularly in Edmonton erupted with excitement, with many flooding social media with messages of support and gratitude. Hashtags like #OilerForLife and #Draisaitl112 quickly began trending.
The Bigger Picture: Oilers Going All-In
Draisaitl’s record-breaking deal follows a series of aggressive moves by the Oilers’ front office. Earlier this offseason, they locked in key role players and coaching staff while also negotiating behind the scenes with team captain Connor McDavid, whose contract is up in 2026. While McDavid has not yet signed an extension, Draisaitl’s long-term commitment is widely seen as a major step toward securing his as well.
General Manager Ken Holland praised Draisaitl’s leadership and dedication.
> “Leon represents everything you want in a franchise player. His skill is elite, but his work ethic, his heart, and his love for this organization are what truly set him apart. We’re building a dynasty here, and Leon is at the core of it.”
A New Era for the NHL?
With this deal, the NHL’s financial landscape may be undergoing a seismic shift. Experts predict Draisaitl’s contract will serve as a benchmark for future megastars, especially as league revenues grow and the salary cap rises.
> “This isn’t just a contract—it’s a message,” said TSN hockey analyst Darren Dreger. “Players want to win, but they also want stability and legacy. Leon’s deal could redefine how top-tier athletes think about loyalty and team-building.”
Closing Thoughts
Leon Draisaitl’s extension is more than just a big payday. It’s a powerful affirmation of commitment—to his team, his fans, and the city that embraced him as one of their own. While records are meant to be broken, loyalty in today’s sports world is becoming increasingly rare. Draisaitl has just proven that greatness and loyalty can still go hand-in-hand.
As Oilers fans look toward the 2025–26 season, there’s renewed hope—and now, a rock-solid foundation to build on.
And if Draisaitl’s final words at the press conference are any indication, the Oilers’ golden era may have just begun:
> “We’re not finished. We’re just getting started.”