Insider offers insight on the Edmonton Oilers and a Leon Draisaitl extension
The Edmonton Oilers and Leon Draisaitl have spoken recently about a contract extension to keep the German centre in Edmonton long-term.
Leon Draisaitl is one of the premier players in the National Hockey League. The Edmonton Oilers are lucky to have him, even if he plays second fiddle to Connor McDavid. With a contract that's about to expire there has been lots of talk about whether the 28-year-old German centre truly wants to remain in Edmonton and win or be the guy within another franchise, but that talk may be put to rest sooner rather than later.
The Two Mutts Hockey Podcast reported Sunday that there has been talk between Draisaitl's camp and the Oilers on a long-term extension for 8 years and that he is willing to take less money if his teammates Connor McDavid & Evan Bouchard who will be up for extensions as well are willing to work with the Oilers on taking less as well.
@EdmontonOilers
Leon Draisaitl & his contract extension talk. There's been some talk from local media saying it could be a 4 year deal but after speaking to those close to the Draisaitl camp he's ONLY interested in signing long term in Edmonton so an 8 year deal is what he's looking for at this time & it sounds like he will take less $ in a long term deal but only if others are willing to do the same.
Leon Draisaitl loves it in Edmonton & he strongly believes this organization can win multiple
@StanleyCup
if players take less, some news we heard over the last 72 hours was that Connor, Leon & Evan said if our core players are taking less than we take less.
This is a story to follow as we all know.
#LetsGoOilers #Oilers
While rumours are rumours and nobody beyond NHL circles knows what discussions happen between teammates on different teams it appears that Draisaitl wants to make sure that the core that is currently with the Oilers remains and that he'll stop at nothing for it to happen.
Conversely, having a teammate who seems to be a team-first guy is quite the contrast from what many believe has happened with the Maple Leafs and although it may simply be optics if the Oilers end up winning a Stanley Cup there may be some truth to the idea.
Even if a team is only as good as their best players it is important to remember that few pie pieces remain and everyone needs to eat. Players need to get paid, but also pull their weight and play to their potential. Although it took a while it seems as if Edmonton has finally discovered the recipe for success and if it involves McDavid, Bouchard & Draisaitl along with some lesser-skilled or known players then so be it, but you should believe they'll become the first Canadian team since 1993 to hoist Lord Stanleys' Cup.
| POLL | ||
Will the Oiler sign Leon Draisaitl before his contract expires? | ||
| Yes. He'll be an Oiler for life. | 107 | 80.5 % |
| No. He'll test free agency.. | 26 | 19.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
