'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Athletic's Chris Johnston has provided insight into the Edmonton Oilers' stance on Leon 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.
Draisaitl is on a $68 million deal, which he signed in 2017.
Johnston added that concerns about a potential fallout of losing both Draisaitl and future negotiations with Connor McDavid weigh heavily on the franchise:
Trending
Despite the urgency post-playoffs, Edmonton is reportedly yet to engage in substantive talks over a new contract. They are expected to prioritize securing a long-term pact that covers Draisaitl's prime NHL years.
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.
“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 quiet Stanley Cup Final.
"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.”
