3 reasons why Oilers losing Game 7 to Canucks could bring major changes to the organization

The Edmonton Oilers go on the road to play the Vancouver Canucks in Game 7 on Monday night in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Oilers entered the series as favorites to defeat the Canucks, but the series has gone back-and-forth, as they have alternated wins and losses, as no team has won two straight.

If Edmonton loses Game 7 on Monday night, it could result in sweeping changes to the team, and here are three reasons why.

3 reasons why Oilers losing Game 7 to Canucks could bring major changes

#1. Leon Draisaitl's contract

If the Oilers can't win this year with this group, the future of Leon Draisaitl in Edmonton will be a big question.

Draisaitl will have one year left on his deal at $8.5 million after this season, and he's a pending free agent after the 2024-25 NHL season.

The German forward will be in line for a massive pay raise as he should get over $10 million, which will be tough to do for Edmonton.

If the Oilers lose here, perhaps Edmonton decides to trade Draisaitl for more assets to try and retool.

#2. Ken Holland could leave

Ken Holland has been the Oilers general manager since 2019. He's reportedly under contract until 2029.

However, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has revealed that Holland is linked to the Columbus Blue Jackets GM job.

"I’m under the impression they are still waiting to talk to people. What’s going to happen in Edmonton after the season? That is, I think, one of the situations that could have an effect on Columbus. Are there any other teams that are going to go out they’re going to want to talk to people from their organizations?," Friedman said, via OilersNation.

If Holland does leave, Edmonton will need to hire a new GM and they could make sweeping changes and build the team how they want it to be built.

#3. Plenty of free agents

The Oilers have plenty of free agents this offseason, which will change the way their team is built, if they lose to the Canucks in Game 7.

This summer, goalie Calvin Pickard is a free agent, while upfront, Adam Henrique, Corey Perry, Warren Foegle, Sam Carrick, Mattias Janmark, Connor Brown, Sam Gagner, and Adam Erne are all UFAs. Dylan Holloway, James Hamblin and Raphael Lavoie are pending RFAs.

With Edmonton having plenty of free agents, the roster could look much different next season.