NHL Rumors: $68,000,000 Edmonton Oilers forward's future extension may turn into a "complicated process"

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Sep 08, 2023 16:44 GMT

In the NHL, contract negotiations and player extensions are subjects of interest. Recently, there have been rumors about the future extension of Leon Draisaitl, a cornerstone player for the Edmonton Oilers, and the potential complexities that could accompany it.

To set the stage, it's essential to recall that Leon Draisaitl signed a substantial eight-year, $68,000,000 contract with the Edmonton Oilers on August 16, 2017. This landmark deal cemented his status as a key figure in the Oilers' roster.

Recently, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman weighed in on the matter during an appearance on Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer. Friedman's insights provided a glimpse into the intriguing dynamics surrounding Draisaitl's future with the Oilers.

First and foremost, Friedman's assessment suggests that Draisaitl is likely to remain a fixture in the Edmonton Oilers' lineup for the foreseeable future. This prediction is grounded in the stability of the current situation within the team, indicating that the star forward's departure is not imminent.

What sets Friedman's comments apart is his assertion that Draisaitl's decision regarding a contract extension may not hinge solely on the Oilers' quest for the coveted Stanley Cup. While every player aspires to lift the Stanley Cup, Friedman suggests that Draisaitl's commitment to the Oilers may run deeper than championship aspirations alone.

Friedman said:

"If things stay the same, I don't think he'll go anywhere."

However, the intriguing twist in this narrative emerges when Friedman highlights the potential for complications in the contract negotiation process. To illustrate his point, he draws attention to the extension signed by Auston Matthews with the Toronto Maple Leafs, a deal that was strategically executed to minimize media frenzy and distractions.

Elliotte Friedman comments on the situation surrounding the Edmonton Oilers and Leon Draisaitl

Friedman suggests that, in the case of Leon Draisaitl, the longer it takes for him and the Oilers to finalize an extension once he becomes eligible, the greater the likelihood of complications arising.

While specifics about these potential complications remain undisclosed, it's clear that the timing and nuances of contract negotiations in professional sports can introduce unforeseen challenges.

The narrative surrounding Leon Draisaitl's future extension with the Edmonton Oilers will undoubtedly continue to capture the attention of hockey enthusiasts and analysts. The future, in this case, holds both promise and the potential for complexity, as Draisaitl and the Oilers navigate the path ahead.