Leon Draisaitl is in no hurry to sign an extension with the Edmonton Oilers.
“It’s just something that is going to take a little time to figure out what I want, what the Oilers want,” said the five-time NHL All-Star during Wednesday’s post-playoff media availability in Edmonton.
The end of Draisaitl’s team-friendly, $8.5-million-a-year contract is fast approaching, with the deal he signed in the summer of 2017 set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
With his future after next year still very much up in the air, the 28-year-old hasn’t given much thought to his long-term plans. He is looking to sit down with both the Oilers and his agent Andy Scott before making any sort of commitment on his future.
Still, Draisaitl wasn’t shy about expressing how he feels about playing in Edmonton.
“I love being an Oiler more than anything,” said Draisaitl, who wrapped up his 10th season with Edmonton on Monday.
The 2020 Hart Trophy winner is expected to make north of $13 million a year on his next deal and put his name alongside other NHL superstars, including the likes of Auston Matthews, David Pastrnak and Nathan MacKinnon, at the top of the salary list.
Connor McDavid is also due for an extension in the not-so-distant future with his eight-year deal set to expire following the 2025-26 season.
The earliest Edmonton can re-sign its captain is next July.