A couple of rumours had been floating round about the way forward for Leon Draisaitl and whether or not he’d be sticking round with the Edmonton Oilers. A number of the speak was fuelled on the June twenty sixth year-end press convention when Draisaitl and Connor McDavid confronted the media after their devastating 2-1 Recreation 7 Stanley Cup loss to the Florida Panthers on June 24.
When requested about his expiring contract and whether or not he’d be signing an extension Draisaitl talked about, “It’s one thing going to take a bit little bit of time [to think about] what I need, what the Oilers need and what everybody needs and go from there. Edmonton has the one likelihood to signal me, so I assume they’re first. I’ll go away it at that. Clearly I really like being an Oiler greater than something.” Totally different pundits across the NHL had been attempting to learn into Draisaitl’s feedback inflicting a little bit of an uneasy stir amongst Oilers followers, however it’s important to consider all of the speak was put to relaxation on the primary day of the NHL Draft on June 28.
Oilers First-Spherical Draft Choose Sam O’Reilly Receives Welcome Message from Draisaitl
Proper after the Oilers made a deal to maneuver as much as the thirty second place on the NHL Draft and chosen London Knights ahead Sam O’Reilly got here one other constructive signal for the franchise. Draisaitl despatched a thrilled O’Reilly a textual content message welcoming him to the crew.
Would a man seeking to signal some place else textual content the Oilers’ most up-to-date draft choose an encouraging message? I don’t assume so. That’s why I consider Draisaitl and the Oilers will come to an settlement, both straight away when unrestricted free company (UFA) season begins on July 1 or someday earlier than coaching camp.
Ken Holland Received’t Be Round to Negotiate New Deal With Draisaitl
On June 27, Oilers CEO of Hockey Operations Jeff Jackson launched an announcement that basic supervisor Ken Holland wouldn’t be signed to a contract extension, thus ending Holland’s 5 years with the Oilers group. This transfer appeared like a foregone conclusion after Jackson was employed final summer season however there was nonetheless an opportunity that Holland would possibly persist with the Oilers as a senior advisor. This transfer clearly places Jackson, and whoever is employed as the long run GM in Edmonton, because the chief negotiators in signing Draisaitl to an extension.
Associated: Oilers Anxious Over “Double Whammy” Catastrophe Amid Draisaitl Talks
It’s going to be attention-grabbing to see the place issues find yourself for Draisaitl, who positively deserves a elevate contemplating he’s been among the finest gamers within the NHL over the previous half decade. One has to marvel if he’ll take a “Tom Brady” model low cost in order that the group can afford to signal high quality teammates for each Draisaitl and future UFA candidate McDavid whose present contract is up after the 2025-26 NHL season.
Draisaitl’s Finest Probability to Win a Stanley Cup Would possibly Be With Edmonton
NHL gamers are clearly making some huge cash today (not as a lot because the NFL, NBA and MLB) and Draisaitl has already earned a ton of money in his NHL profession. Figuring out he might be handsomely paid in his subsequent contract, Draisaitl and his crew of advisors are little doubt attempting to weigh the professionals and cons of attempting to signal a brand new deal for a pay elevate that additionally leaves him able to win the Stanley Cup. His greatest likelihood could be along with his good good friend McDavid and the Oilers. I believe this present core group of Oilers realized much more beneficial classes on their approach to Recreation 7 of the Stanley Cup Last, and might be again for an additional shot. With sufficient cash to retire comfortably already, Oilers brass and followers are hoping Draisaitl indicators a brand new contract extension. The window to win for the Oilers is true now and it’s important to consider that successful is as vital as incomes a file payday.
I couldn’t assist however take into consideration Draisaitl when I noticed Keith Tkachuk crying after his son Matthew Tkachuk gained the primary Stanley Cup championship within the Tkachuk household. Keith earned over $80 million over his profession within the NHL, and by no means gained a Stanley Cup. Certain the cash was nice, however if in case you have a aggressive bone in your physique, you’d nonetheless need to have your title on the most effective trophy in skilled sports activities. Fortunately for the elder Tkachuk, he bought to see his son fulfill the dream that he clearly by no means bought an opportunity to comprehend himself.
Large Choice Looms for Draisaitl and the Oilers
Signing Draisaitl is a giant determination for each Draisaitl and the Oilers. Primarily based on his aggressive nature and having him attain out to the Oilers’ first-round draft choose, Sam O’Reilly, on draft day it’s important to consider either side are going to make it work. The place each Draisaitl and the Oilers finally find yourself will certainly set the stage for McDavid’s contract extension, however that’s one other story for an additional day. Proper now the main target is on Draisaitl and making the numbers work in Edmonton.
