Top Insider reports Edmonton Oilers’ stance on Leon Draisaitl’s expiring contract

Leon Draisaitl’s voice cracked with emotion, showing reluctance to peer too far ahead less than an hour after witnessing his Stanley Cup aspirations slip away. Draisaitl reflected on the near-miss:

“You’re one period, one shot, away from maybe winning the thing, and now you’ve got to go through 82 regular-season games again and play well enough to even get a kick at it,” he said.

The Athletic’s Chris Johnston provided insight into Edmonton’s strategic stance with Draisaitl’s impending unrestricted free agency in 2025:

“Edmonton is not inclined to let the 28-year-old center simply play out the final year of his contract and walk directly into free agency next July, according to multiple league sources familiar with the front office’s view of the situation,” Johnston reported, highlighting the Oilers’ proactive approach.

Johnston added that concerns about a potential fallout of losing both Draisaitl and future negotiations with Connor McDavid weigh heavily on the franchise:

“While the longtime teammates and close friends aren’t a package deal — they’re each operating on the principle of making the best decision tailored for their individual circumstances, according to league sources — they are inextricably linked.” Johnston said.

Leon Draisaitl, acknowledging McDavid’s influence, described him as “the greatest player to ever play”.

Draisaitl’s stellar career arguably justifies a substantial raise from his current $68 million deal signed in 2017, possibly aligning with Auston Matthews’ NHL-leading $13.25 million annually. Despite the urgency post-playoffs, Edmonton is reportedly yet to engage in substantive talks over a new contract. Negotiations are expected to prioritize securing a long-term pact that covers Leon Draisaitl’s prime NHL years.

With critical decisions looming over pending UFAs and imminent exit meetings, the Oilers face a tight timeframe to stabilize their roster after their deep playoff run.

Leon Draisaitl’s decision looms large for Oilers’ future

Draisaitl, the No. 3 overall pick in͏ th͏e 2014 NL draft͏, e͏xpressed a commitment to finishing͏ what he st͏arted in Edmonton, but ͏acknowledged the complexity of his͏ decis͏ion beyond hocke͏y:

“There are lots of things that go into it. Lots of things that play a role in these situations,” he said in a January interview with Sportsnet.

Securing Draisaitl’s extension is paramount for the Oilers this offseason, though they remain flexible should he hesitate. His contract, featuring a 10-team trade list and a no-movement clause, gives Edmonton options, albeit at the risk of losing a player of his caliber in his prime, which would demand a significant return. Such a move would reshape the franchise, potentially influencing Connor McDavid’s future with the team.

Head coach Kris Knoblauch highlighted Draisaitl’s postseason contributions despite a quieter Stanley Cup Final, suggesting undisclosed challenges might have affected his performance:

“Leon has done tremendously well,” Knoblauch said. “You look at the superstars around the league… Leon doesn’t get enough credit for what he accomplishes without playing with another star.”

As Draisaitl contemplates his next move amidst the sting of Cup Final defeat, the Oilers aim to retain their potent duo for sustained success, emphasizing continuity as a winning strategy.