Insider believes Edmonton Oilers will prepare to deal Leon Draisaitl
The Edmonton Oilers, fresh off their Stanley Cup Playoff run, are now navigating the critical waters of their offseason plans.
Top on their agenda is securing a new contract for key player Leon Draisaitl. With the clock ticking towards his potential free agency, the Oilers are poised to make bold moves to ensure his stay or prepare for his departure.
According to sports journalist Chris Johnston, Edmonton is adamantly opposed to the idea of Draisaitl merely playing out his contract year without a secured extension. Recognizing the gravity of his contract situation, the Oilers have labeled securing his extension as a "massive priority." However, they remain ready to pivot to trade strategies if Draisaitl exhibits any hesitation towards a long-term commitment.
Edmonton is not inclined to let [Draisaitl] simply play out the final year of his contract . . . Trying to get him extended is considered a «massive priority» for the Oilers at the outset of this offseason, but they'll pivot if he shows any reluctance to commit. They've got some wiggle room to trade Draisaitl, if it comes to that, since his contract includes a 10-team trade list alongside a no-movement clause.
While Draisaitl's ties with Edmonton are strong�especially given his relationship with Connor McDavid, arguably the NHL's top player�his ability to dictate his career's direction is now more pronounced than ever. With his 30th birthday approaching, Draisaitl is reportedly seeking a lucrative deal that would position him as the NHL's highest-paid player, surpassing the $13.25M annual mark. This request comes as no surprise given his consistent performance, frequently achieving 120+ point seasons, and the NHL's expanding salary cap.
The financial dynamics are tricky. Draisaitl's current deal at $8.25M is considered a bargain given his output, making his demands for a significant raise not only justified but expected. Edmonton faces the daunting task of balancing the need to secure Draisaitl's talent long-term with the strategic management of their roster and salary cap to sustain their competitive edge.
The possibility of trading Draisaitl, while distressing for fans and the team alike, remains on the table as a necessary strategy should negotiations stall. The Oilers' management is undoubtedly under pressure to either cement Draisaitl's role within the team or make the difficult decision to trade, ensuring they don't lose a player of his caliber without gaining valuable assets in return.
For Draisaitl and the Oilers, the coming months are pivotal. The outcome of these negotiations will significantly impact the team's strategy moving forward, either reinforcing their core or signaling a new direction.
Source: Chris Johnston
What I'm hearing about Leon Draisaitl
While Draisaitl's ties with Edmonton are strong�especially given his relationship with Connor McDavid, arguably the NHL's top player�his ability to dictate his career's direction is now more pronounced than ever. With his 30th birthday approaching, Draisaitl is reportedly seeking a lucrative deal that would position him as the NHL's highest-paid player, surpassing the $13.25M annual mark. This request comes as no surprise given his consistent performance, frequently achieving 120+ point seasons, and the NHL's expanding salary cap.
The financial dynamics are tricky. Draisaitl's current deal at $8.25M is considered a bargain given his output, making his demands for a significant raise not only justified but expected. Edmonton faces the daunting task of balancing the need to secure Draisaitl's talent long-term with the strategic management of their roster and salary cap to sustain their competitive edge.
The possibility of trading Draisaitl, while distressing for fans and the team alike, remains on the table as a necessary strategy should negotiations stall. The Oilers' management is undoubtedly under pressure to either cement Draisaitl's role within the team or make the difficult decision to trade, ensuring they don't lose a player of his caliber without gaining valuable assets in return.
For Draisaitl and the Oilers, the coming months are pivotal. The outcome of these negotiations will significantly impact the team's strategy moving forward, either reinforcing their core or signaling a new direction.
Source: Chris Johnston
What I'm hearing about Leon Draisaitl
| POLL | ||
Do you expect the Oilers to sign or trade Leon Draisaitl? | ||
| Sign, he will stay in Edmonton | 320 | 81 % |
| Trade, he won't re-sign | 53 | 13.4 % |
| See Results | 22 | 5.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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