Ex-Panthers Scottie Upshall believes Oilers interim GM will be the key to keep Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl from moving

Interim Oilers general manager Jeff Jackson is expected to play a crucial role in keeping Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in Edmonton, according to ex-Panther Scottie Upshall. During a recent appearance on the "Missing Curfew Show," Upshall discussed his belief regarding Jackson’s role during this year’s free agency period.

Upshall believes Jackson has done a good job thus far, making him the ideal person to deal with McDavid and Draisaitl's contract extensions as they approach.

“Jeff Jackson, you should probably just take the GM job yourself," Upshall said. "You’ll be the president and the GM. I don’t know, it seems like he did a pretty good job calling the shots because that’s no joke.

“And now he’s going to have to negotiate with Connor and Leon to see where these parties really want to go. They’re going to have to have this conversation this year because there are some important decisions to make. And if I think there’s a guy to do it, it’s him.”

Leon Draisaitl is entering the final year of his contract this season, and the Oilers will be hoping to extend him for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, Connor McDavid will be eligible for free agency in 2026.

Ideally, the Oilers could negotiate extensions with their core stars sooner rather than later. That is why Upshall believes there is no sense in waiting for a full-time GM, considering the great job Jeff Jackson has done so far.

Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl headed for a split?

A recent piece in Sports Illustrated explored the possibility that despite willingness on all sides, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl might be headed for a split.

The main point lies in the Oilers’ salary cap constraints. In particular, the contracts of Darnell Nurse and Mattias Ekholm run a combined $15.25 million, making the cap situation difficult. To add, star defenseman Evan Bouchard will need a contract, along with other free agents.

The article contends that Leon Draisaitl has essentially priced himself out of Edmonton, as he should get roughly the same amount as Connor McDavid. If that’s indeed the case, the Oilers may not be able to afford him unless they clear sufficient cap space. There’s also the concern that McDavid will need a new contract in two years, which complicates the Oilers’ salary cap situation even more.