"He doesn't get a deal done": Oilers insider speculates only 'surprise' in Leon Draisaitl's impending extension with Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers were expected to address Leon Draisaitl's contract situation only after the appointment of a new general manager. With the recent hiring of Stan Bowman as the club's new GM, attention is now back on the 28-year-old's future with the team.

According to reports, Draisaitl desires to continue playing in Edmonton. However, a deal has yet to be finalized, and no definite reports are indicating when it will be completed.

Insider Jason Gregor of the Oilersnation speculates that the only surprise in Leon Draisaitl's upcoming extension with the Oilers would be if a deal isn't reached. Gregor reckons that Draisaitl's extension will likely fall within the $13 million to $13.9 million range.

Based on conversations with sources within the organization, the insider remains steadfast in his belief.

"Ever since the Draisaitl extension talk began, I’ve felt he will sign around $13m-$13.9m and it will be a long-term deal. From my discussions from people in the organization, I’ve heard nothing that will change my mind. Enjoy your short off-season, at this point the only surprise would be if he doesn’t get a deal done," Jason Gregor wrote in his Oilersnation column.

Draisaitl is entering the final year of his eight-year, $68 million deal. If a deal is not finalized, he will test the market in July next year as an unrestricted free agent. As the offseason progresses, the likelihood of a successful deal for the forward seems increasingly promising.

Insider suggests it's 'premature' to say Leon Draisaitl's deal is coming to an end

TSN hockey insider Ryan Rishaug recently reported regarding Leon Draisait's extension, discussions have been initiated between the two parties, but formal negotiations have not yet begun.

Therefore, any suggestions that a deal is nearing completion are premature at this stage.

"On Draisaitl extension, sounds like the two sides have been in touch but actual negotiations haven’t started yet, those will commence here shortly. So any notion that it’s close to done is premature as of today," Rishaug wrote on X.

Draisaitl was drafted 'No. 3 overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2014 NHL draft. Since then he has been a key player of the Oilers, making up a dynamic duo alongside captain Connor McDavid.

Draisaitl has been with the club for the last ten seasons. Notably, the 2020 Hart Memorial Trophy winner has five 100-plus point seasons with the club in the last six seasons.