The Edmonton Oilers' Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid could be the NHL's highest-paid players next summer. But as they set the bar for future players, they know the balance.

It’s official; Leon Draisaitl is staying in Edmonton. On Tuesday morning, it was announced that Draisaitl signed an eight-year, $112 million dollar contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers, carrying an average annual value of $14M.

By signing Draisaitl before training camp, the Oilers avoid distractions this season. They also send a message to McDavid, who has two seasons left on the eight-year, $100 million contract ($12.5 million AAV) he signed with the Oilers on July 5, 2017. The 27-year-old center will be eligible to sign another contract July 1.

Draisaitl, the NHL's top-paid player, says the Oilers stars can "get more money into hockey and get the players some higher salaries."

St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas was with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl when the big offer sheets were announced. After that, the stories differ.

Back in August, the St. Louis Blues tendered their double offer sheet for Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg of the Oilers. Earlier this week, Edmonton general manager Stan Bowman explained how the offer sheets far exceed their current ability and led to the Oilers letting both players go.

And that’s without star blueliner Evan Bouchard being considered, too.