The Edmonton Oilers are in the midst of a closely contested second-round playoff series with the Vancouver Canucks. However, that hasn’t stopped some pundits from speculating about Leon Draisaitl’s future in Edmonton.
Draisaitl, 28, is slated to become a UFA at the end of next season. He carries a cap hit of $8.5 million on his current deal and a modified no-trade clause. The Oilers can open contract extension talks with him on July 1.
Considering Draisaitl’s rise to superstardom, his current contract was a steal for the Oilers. However, he’ll seek a substantial raise on his next deal befitting of his status among the league’s elite forwards. Some observers, however, suggest Draisaitl might be reluctant to re-sign with the Oilers if they fail to progress in their quest to win the Stanley Cup.
On May 3, The Hockey News’ Caleb Kerney cited Georges Laraque telling Montreal’s 91.9 FM a well-placed source believed Draisaitl wouldn’t sign a contract extension if the Oilers failed to stage a deep playoff run. “He’d prefer to be a first-line center in Boston.” Boston Hockey Now’s Jimmy Murphy cited Laraque clarifying his comments, saying that he mentioned the Bruins as a destination for Draisaitl because of their lack of centers. The Bruins could use a first-line center such as Draisaitl if he becomes available. However, Murphy is skeptical about their chances of landing him.
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