Leon Draisaitl officially becomes the highest paid player in NHL history with mind-boggling extension

Per top hockey insider Elliotte Friedman, the Edmonton Oilers have extended Leon Draisaitl to an eight-year deal in the range of $14 million annually - the highest AAV in NHL history.

This is a massive deal, which the team could do unburdened by the salaries of Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway who are now members of the St. Louis Blues after successful offer sheets.

This is the first major extension for the Edmonton Oilers, who will need to lock down franchise defenseman Evan Bouchard this season as well, and the NHL's best player in Connor McDavid in the 2025-26 season.

At $14 million annually, this will make Leon Draisaitl the highest paid player in NHL history, usurping Auston Matthews' four-year deal with an $13.25 million annual average value, and surpassing Nathan Mackinnon's eight-year $100.8 million deal ($12.6 million annually).

He, however, will likely not hold this title for long as teammate Connor McDavid will deservedly earn more than Draisaitl on his next deal next year.

The Edmonton Oilers are going all in on their stars - whether or not it will result in a Stanley Cup is yet to be known.