Bowman: 'Nothing negative to report' regarding Draisaitl contract talks
New Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman doesn't have much to say about Leon Draisaitl's contract negotiations at this point, but it seems no red flags have been raised during his early discussions with agent Mike Liut.
"I had a good conversation (with Liut), and we're starting things off, and the timing on that will be what it will be," the executive told NHL.com's Derek Van Diest on Monday. "I don't have an update of where it's going to be or the timing on that, but there is nothing negative to report, certainly."
The Oilers hired Bowman in late July, a few weeks after the NHL reinstated him after previously being banned for his part in the Chicago Blackhawks' 2010 sexual assault scandal.
Draisaitl has one season remaining on his current eight-year deal with an average annual value of $8.5 million. He can become an unrestricted free agent once it expires and has been eligible to sign a new extension since July 1.
During Bowman's introductory press conference, he said ironing out a new extension for Draisaitl was his "top priority," adding that he wanted the German superstar "to be an Oiler for life," per TSN.
Bowman doubled down on those comments Monday.
"Leon is a super-talented player, a huge part of what we're doing, and he has been and will be for some time, and that hasn't changed at all," he said. "I think it's really hard to find stars in the NHL, so when you have them, the goal is to keep them."
Draisaitl has been one of the league's most consistent producers in recent years, finishing among the top eight point-getters in each of the past six seasons. He's eclipsed the 100-point mark on five occasions, including his 106-point effort this past campaign.
The 28-year-old has also proven to be a key contributor for the Oilers in the playoffs.
He amassed 10 goals and 31 points in 25 games this spring during Edmonton's run to the Stanley Cup Final and scored an outlandish 13 goals in 12 postseason games one year ago.
Draisaitl was also memorably hindered by a sprained ankle during the 2022 playoffs, but that didn't stop him from racking up 32 points in 16 outings.
Draisaitl owns 850 points - the 17th-most among all active players - in 719 career regular-season games and 108 points in 74 playoff contests.
His next contract could make him the highest-paid player in the NHL, a mantle currently held by Toronto Maple Leafs sniper Auston Matthews ($13.25-million cap hit).
Draisaitl said in late June that he loves "being an Oiler more than anything."
Edmonton has made the postseason six times since Draisaitl's debut season in 2014-15. The team has made it to at least the second round in three consecutive campaigns.