How the Oilers could use creative contracts to save cap space for Leon Draisaitl's extension

Edmonton Oilers fans, here's something to think about: Seth Jarvis just signed with the Carolina Hurricanes. Jarvis's 8-year contract is worth $63.2 million, but it only counts for $7.5 million per year against the salary cap.

The remaining $3.2 million comes as a "signing bonus" that's paid out after the contract ends, meaning it will hit the Hurricanes' books in the 2033-34 season.

The kind of deal, with a deferred salary structure, isn't something you see often in the NHL. Yet Jarvis's contract could be paving the way for more teams to explore this option.

In Edmonton, we all know Leon Draisaitl's contract is coming up, and there's talk he could be looking at something around $14 million per season.

However, the NHL is a copycat league so Edmonton can push some of the money to later years, the Oilers could lower his cap hit by up to $1.5 million per year, which would be huge for Edmonton especially with the salary cap always being tight.

GM Stan Bowman can also push for deferral with Connor McDavid, who's also due for an extension and will be a free agent in two years.

That extra room could be used to bring in more talent and keep them in the Stanley Cup conversation long-term.

This kind of contract could be a game changer, especially for teams trying to maximize their chances while their star players are in their prime. If the Oilers want to keep their core intact and stay competitive for the long haul, a deferred salary strategy could be the smart move for their two franchise cornerstones.

Source: Oilers DailyNew NHL contract formula may be used next on Leon Draisaitl extension with the Edmonton Oilers

New report reveals Leon Draisaitl was almost traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning for Nikita Kucherov

Sidney Crosby forced into the locker room due to an injury after a collision with Evgeni Malkin

Insider confirms the extreme actions Evander Kane took to play in the Finals & gave an update on his recovery

400-Game NHL Veteran Surprisingly Placed On Waivers By The Colorado Avalanche

Oilers Legend And Five-Time Stanley Cup Champion Has Been Sentenced To One Year Of Suspended Prison Time

Coach Peter Laviolette's Fate Has Been Confirmed By NHL Insider After Players Begin Revolting Against Their GM

Brad Treliving Shocks Leafs Fans By Sending Down Their Top Prospect To The AHL

Zach Hyman Takes Slapshot To Face And Bleeds Everywhere: Here's His Status For Next Game

Elliotte Friedman links the Maple Leafs to a behemoth defenseman from the Canucks on the trade market

Vancouver Canucks President Jim Rutherford opens up about J.T. Miller's return and the team's playoff chances