Bowman: 'Never a question' to re-sign Draisaitl despite cap outlook

Stan Bowman knows Leon Draisaitl's eight-year, $112-million extension will contribute to a tricky salary-cap situation, but the Edmonton Oilers general manager wouldn't have it any other way.

"Players like Leon are special," he told reporters Tuesday. "There's not many people in the world that can play hockey like he does. There's no way we could ever replace what Leon brings to the table. ... For me, it was never a question.

"Certainly, there's going to be challenges in the future, but that's for us to figure out down the road."

Draisaitl's $14-million cap hit will make him the highest-paid player when his new contract begins in 2025-26, but Bowman has more major negotiations on his to-do list.

Key defenseman Evan Bouchard is due for a significant raise on his $3.9-million average annual salary. He's eligible for an extension before he becomes a restricted free agent next summer.

Connor McDavid can put pen to paper on a new contract starting next summer. His cap hit will undoubtedly exceed Draisaitl's hefty price tag.

Bowman is realistic about what he needs to do to balance the Oilers' high-end talent and their depth.

"The math is what it is," he said. "So you have to have low-priced players coming into your team each year, whether that's through a young player who's moving out of the junior ranks or American League and getting in the NHL, or if you could find ... some experienced players taking less money (on) shorter-term deals."

Edmonton already lost two young players because of its salary-cap outlook. The Oilers declined to match the St. Louis Blues' two-year offer sheets for Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg.

Meanwhile, Draisaitl is thrilled to have his negotiations behind him.

"I take great pride in being an Oiler. ... I love nothing more than wearing that jersey and representing our city and our great fans," he said. "I'm really, really happy and excited to hopefully be an Oiler for life."

The German forward added that he's had "numerous conversations" with McDavid about staying in Edmonton long term.

"Do I hope that Connor follows along? I'd be lying if I said no," Draisaitl said with a laugh.

Bowman believes he's sent a strong message to McDavid by getting his longtime teammate under contract before the 2024-25 season.

"We want to win, we're going to do everything in our power, and hopefully that's going to be something that Connor likes to hear," he said.

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