Following their near-miss at the Stanley Cup championship, questions are swirling around the future of the Edmonton Oilers’ top players, Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid. The Oilers fell just short of victory, losing in Game 7 to the Florida Panthers. As the offseason begins, attention turns to the contract status of their star duo, particularly Draisaitl.
Leon Draisaitl, at 28 years old, has only one year left on his current contract. Eligible to sign an extension starting July 1, his recent comments post-loss have cast doubt on his long-term commitment to Edmonton. Draisaitl has been a cornerstone for the Oilers, consistently delivering impressive stats with five seasons of over 100 points, including three seasons where he netted 50 goals. His partnership with McDavid is considered one of the most potent offensive duos in the NHL.
Chris Johnston of The Athletic reported that the Oilers are keen to resolve Draisaitl’s contract situation this summer. The team does not want the uncertainty of his contract to loom over the next season. This urgency is heightened by the fact that McDavid will enter free agency the following year. Edmonton is determined to avoid the risk of potentially losing either of these stars without receiving any return, especially in consecutive years.
Coach Kris Knoblauch disclosed that during the playoff run, several top players were battling significant injuries. Draisaitl had hand and rib injuries that nearly sidelined him, while forward Evander Kane dealt with a sports hernia, and McDavid was also playing through undisclosed injuries. Knoblauch refrained from specifying McDavid’s condition, leaving such details to the medical staff.
The Oilers’ season was a tumultuous one. They began with a poor record of 3-9-1, leading to the dismissal of head coach Jay Woodcroft. Knoblauch took over and guided the team through an impressive turnaround, including a 16-game winning streak. They ended the regular season with a strong 49-27-6 record, securing second place in the Pacific Division.
As the team reflects on a roller-coaster season that ended in heartbreak, the focus is now on securing the future of their key players. Draisaitl’s decision to either extend his contract or seek opportunities elsewhere will significantly impact the Oilers’ strategy and prospects moving forward. Similarly, ensuring McDavid’s continued presence is crucial for the team’s aspirations.
The upcoming months will be critical for the Oilers’ management as they navigate these high-stakes negotiations. Balancing the need to retain their superstar talents while managing the salary cap and team dynamics will be a delicate task. The decisions made this offseason could shape the franchise’s trajectory for years to come.
