NHL Rumors: Oilers, Maple Leafs, Devils, Blues – Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumor mill, the Edmonton Oilers signed Leon Draisaitl to an eight-year contract worth $14 million per season. How did the deal finally happen and what does it mean going forward? Meanwhile, there is plenty of interest for Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Pacioretty. Are they facing competition to try and sign a veteran? Will the New Jersey Devils consider a temporary deal with Dawson Mercer? Finally, St. Louis Blues announced that defenseman Torey Krug will undergo surgery to miss the entire 2024-25 season.

Draisaitl Locks in 8 More Years with Oilers

Leon Draisaitl’s new contract with the Edmonton Oilers has expired. It’s a $14 million per season extension that is front-loaded and includes a full no-movement clause for the eight-year term. Major aspects of the deal were agreed late last week, with the final details finalized over the weekend. Draisaitl, who took a long time this summer to make an informed decision, emphasized his desire to win in Edmonton.

According to TSN’s Ryan Rishaug, the contract reflects Draisaitl’s willingness to accept a reasonable deal, rather than maximize potential gains through free agency. “It’s a big piece locked up for 8 years, and you have to think that this helps a lot with McDavid’s extension this coming summer,” Rishaug noted.

Edmonton Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman praised Draisaitl’s commitment in a press conference, calling it a historic day for the team. “Leon’s dedication to our team, our city, and Oilers fans everywhere cannot be overstated. “His desire to help bring a Stanley Cup home to Edmonton is central to everything he does on and off the ice,” said Bowman.

The Maple Leafs Are Not the Only Team Interested in Pacioretty

Chris Johnston reported that the Toronto Maple Leafs are showing interest in unrestricted free winger Max Pacioretty, despite facing competition from other teams. “Max has to make his own decision because it’s not just the Leafs knocking on the door,” said Johnston on TSN Radio 1050’s. First up.

Related: Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Benoit, Lisowsky & Robertson

He noted that Toronto’s interest is partly due to a lack of depth at left wing and if Pacioretty is healthy, he has a history of being able to produce. He will also be less expensive, although many interested parties may raise the price a bit.

As the summer draws to a close, Pacioretty is in position to sign a contract instead of trying out a professional career, and the Leafs are among the interested teams.

Short Term Agreement with Mercer A Better Choice?

James Nichols of New Jersey Hockey Now speculated that the Devils may pursue a short-term deal with restricted free agent winger Dawson Mercer. The Devils have more than $4.9 million in cap space through the 2024-25 season, which would not be enough to sign the 22-year-old to a contract worth less than $4 million per year.

Nichols reports that if both sides want to continue long term, it could open the door to a discussion about deferring some salary due to cap restrictions. If that happens, one has to wonder how the Devils will approach next year’s negotiations with Luke Hughes.

Torey Krug Will Miss 2024-25 Regular Season

The defender of St. Louis Blues Torey Krug will undergo surgery to treat pre-arthritic changes in his left ankle and will miss the entire 2024-25 season, general manager Doug Armstrong announced today. The team’s press release did not specify the timing of the operation.

The decision to operate was reached after Krug tried to rehabilitate the injury using non-surgical methods.