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Elliotte Friedman stresses what could be the deciding factor around Leon Draisaitl's Oilers future
Leon Draisaitl is entering the final year of the contract he signed with the Edmonton Oilers in 2017. The eight-year, $68,000,000 contract has a cap hit of $8.5 million. Despite not performing up to expectations in the Oilers Stanley Cup Final series this year, Draisaitl's credibility has not diminished. He played the regular season and scored 106 points, including 41 goals.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman discussed Draisaitl's contract extension situation in the latest edition of "32 Thoughts: The Podcast." Friedman pointed out that Daysail's long-term commitment will depend on captain Connor McDavid's contract, ending after the 2025-26 season.
"The number one thing that goes through my head is this: this is not just a Leon Draisaitl negotiation. This is also a Connor McDavid negotiation." Friedman said.
"The sidebar to this is I don't think Draisaitl wants to make a long-term decision until he knows what's happening with McDavid. But this is about those two guys, and there's no way there's going to be any clarity until both of them know exactly what the other is thinking.
Friedman further discussed the Oilers' strategy moving forward. The free agency is approaching on July 1st when Draisaitl's last year of the contract will begin. The Oilers also have some free agents to make decisions on. So, they will likely be occupied in dealing with them for now.
"I got the sense that the Oilers," Friedman said, "especially as this went into the final, were like, 'If this doesn't happen by the draft, we're not going to panic. If this doesn't happen by July 1, we're not going to panic. We've got time.' So, I think this goes into the summer."
"And like I said, it's not just a Draisaitl conversation; it's a Draisaitl-McDavid conversation because they're both going to want to know what the other one is going to do. Plus, with the team's plans—they've got a billion unrestricted free agents, including the line that helped turn around the situation."
Leon Draisaitl's statement on his contract talks
Leon Draisailt talked about his contract situation after the Edmonton Oilers lost to the Florida Panther 2-1 in Game 7, with a series score of 4-3. After an impressive comeback from 3-0, the team pushed for Game 7 but failed to continue their win streak.
"I'm obviously gonna sit down with my agents here and talk to the Oilers. See what their plan is, see what our plan is and just go from there," Draisaitl said.
Draisaitl also clarified that Edmonton is the only team he will sign with.
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