Rumored Contract Numbers Emerge In Draisaitl / Oilers Extension Talks

So how are those Leon Draisaitl extension talks going with the Edmonton Oilers? The latest rumor tells us that the two sides are getting closer to an agreement, that talks are "going great," and the numbers that are being exchanged have been revealed.

The rumor comes to us from the 2 Mutts podcast, which indicates that while the Oilers' second superstar was originally looking for something north of the $14 million mark in AAV (they quote $14.5M), he's expected to take less in order to stay in Edmonton and keep the train rolling.

It will be an 8-year deal from what we are told. His deal should be 8 years, $13.3M-$13.5M. Leon is taking less to stay in Edmonton.

If you're questioning, 'Why should we believe the 2 Mutts podcast?', it's worth pointing out that noted Oilers insider Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now has been on their podcast, and has also mentioned them on Oilers Now in the past. And other relied-upon hockey insiders like Darren Dreger and Craig Button of TSN, Hockey Night in Canada analyst Kelly Hrudey and Vancouver Canucks insider Rich Dhaliwal also follow them.

Over the course of an eight-year deal, Draisaitl would be giving up close to $8 million in this scenario. Would he do it to stay linked as Connor McDavid's sidekick to take some more runs at the Stanley Cup? They fell just one goal short of the big prize this season, falling 2-1 to the Florida Panthers in Game 7.

Draisaitl has a Hart Trophy and an Art Ross on his resume, and completed another 100-point season this past campaign, with 41 goals and 106 points in his 3rd straight 80+ game season. He added another 31 points in 25 postseason games helping lead the Oilers to their long Finals run.