Reid Schaefer’s entry-level deal with the Edmonton Oilers could slide up to two years

The ink is dry and Reid Schaefer is an Edmonton Oiler.

He inked his entry-level deal with the club over the weekend and it was the best possible move for the team to make. While they had some contract spots to fill up, it also allows the Oilers to slide his ELC.

 

As noted by PuckPedia, Schaefer’s birthday falls on Sept. 15 meaning his entry-level deal could slide up two years. That means the first year of his entry-level deal could come in the 2024-25 campaign.

Had he signed in 2023, his contract would’ve been ineligible to slide.

Schaefer’s deal is otherwise fairly standard for a draftee. It comes with a $855,000 base salary, a minor league salary of $82,500, and a signing bonus of $95,000.

The ability for this deal to slide could be big for the Oilers. Schaefer is still a rather raw player and just had his breakout year this past season scoring 32 goals and 58 points in 66 games. He’s a player who likely doesn’t project to see NHL minutes until 2024-25, anyways, so the fact his ELC can slide that long is huge for the team in the bigger picture.

NATION VACATION presented by PointsBet Canada. Come hang out with us on the 1st ever Nation Summer Vacation to Toronto! For only $1399 + tax, you’ll get everything included in the graphic and memories that will last a lifetime. Get your tickets here.