68 million for eight years: 21-year-old exceptional talent is now the highest-paid German ice hockey player of all time
Leon Draisaitl will continue to play for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL). On August 16.08.2017, 2025, the Canadians announced that the German international had signed a new working paper until 68. With a total of $XNUMX million, the Cologne native is now not only one of the top earners in the NHL, but is also Germany's highest-paid ice hockey player of all time. “I am very happy for Leon and the Oilers. Both sides now have planning security for the coming years,” said national coach Marco Sturm.
In the interview, the 21-year-old exceptional player talks about the new contract, his plans for the future with the Oilers and the German national team.
Leon, first of all congratulations on the new contract. Why did the negotiations drag on for so long?
Thanks. I'm glad that there is finally clarity now. Basically we agreed the whole time, but everything had to be put in writing. There were a lot of details involved. Besides, the Oilers management has other things to do than just take care of my contract. But both sides always played with open cards and knew that there was no need to rush.
With a term of eight years and a total volume of 68 million dollars, you are one of the top earners, and not just in the NHL. You are now – at just 21 years old – the highest-paid German ice hockey player of all time. If you think about something like that?
No, not actually. I am aware that such figures always cause a stir, especially in Germany, but this is more an issue for the public than for me personally. The new contract is particularly an investment by the Oilers in the future of the club. A lot has happened in terms of personnel in the last two seasons. The Oilers are a traditional club that wants to return to old and glorious times in the medium term after not so successful years. Last season we showed that we have an incredible amount of potential in the team. I feel honored to be able to play my part in our success over the next eight years. I'm looking forward to this challenge. For me, these are the actual arguments that count even more.
Have you ever thought about moving to another team?
No, never. Since I have been in Edmonton, I have felt right at home. Even in my first real NHL season, when we missed the playoffs and I played in the AHL for a while, it was clear to me that I wanted to remain an Oiler. My teammates and I always knew about the team's potential. Edmonton is a total hockey city, we have fantastic Fans and a very professionally run organization. Anyone who has seen a playoff game in our new arena will never forget it for the rest of their lives.
Your teammate Connor McDavid and you are probably the best strike duo in the entire league. Have you already had contact with him?
(laughs). We always keep in touch and are good friends after all. Of course it's great when you can play with such a strong player like Connor. I hope that the coach will put us on the ice together again next season. As is well known, we harmonize quite well with each other. But that remains to be seen.
The top German players in the NHL used to be called Marco Sturm, Jochen Hecht and Christian Ehrhoff - the new generation is called Leon Draisaitl, Tom Kühnhackl and Tobias Rieder. How important do you see your role as a representative of German ice hockey?
Of course I try to represent my country as best as possible. This is primarily about the performance I have to deliver. I'm happy when people in Germany also realize that there are a few guys in the NHL over there in North America who are successful. If we can do something for the development of sport in this country, then that makes us happy. Unfortunately, we are not in Germany for almost eight months of the year, so we are not quite as tangible as the boys from the DEL. That's the other side of the coin.
Speaking of medals: The German national ice hockey team would like to compete for medals again in the medium term. The association has formulated a goal with “POWERPLAY 26”. Will you continue to represent your country if time allows?
This is not a question. It is an honor for me to represent Germany at a World Cup. I'll stick with it: as soon as it's possible, I'll come. Marco Sturm knows that too. Of course, the playoffs come first with the Oilers. But basically the national coach can count on me. That the DEB I think so, I like it very much. After all, we also have to keep an eye on the coming years. Other nations have also improved.
Last question, Leon: When are you going back to North America?
I am currently staying with my fitness trainer in Prague until the end of August, then I will return to Cologne shortly and will fly to Edmonton at the beginning of September.