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On the "SDPN" podcast, top hockey insider Chris Johnston shared his thoughts on uncertainties around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl's future with the Edmonton Oilers. McDavid has two years remaining on his eight-year $100 million contract signed with the Oilers in 2017. He will become a UFA at the end of the 2025-26 season.
Johnston highlighted that McDavid's decision-making process is on hold until July 1 next year due to legal constraints, preventing any immediate contract signings. The insider noted that the Oilers face a strategic challenge in aligning internal opinions on how to navigate both players' negotiations effectively.
The looming possibility of Leon Draisaitl hesitating on a contract extension raises concerns about the team's dynamics and competitiveness, which could impact Connor McDavid's eventual decision. Johnston said (21:45):
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"I don't think he's (Connor McDavid) thinking about leaving. He doesn't have to think about it yet because two dominoes have to fall first. He can't make a decision till next July 1st anyway. He couldn't sign a contract today if he wanted. He could say to the Oilers, 'I would sign a lifetime contract,' but they're not legally allowed to do it. So, this Draisaitl situation will play out in full or in part before that happens."
"This is where I think it's interesting for the Oilers. Internally, I don't know if everybody's in full alignment on what to do, but if Leon comes back and says, 'I don't know if I want to sign a contract this summer,' part of the debate, I believe, is, 'We can't walk him to free agency because then next summer, when Connor is making his decision, it's potentially when Leon's walking out the door,'" he continued.
Johnston speculated a possibility on the potential scenario of trading Draisaitl this summer. He suggested that such a move could provide Connor McDavid with a glimpse of the team's dynamics without the 28-year-old German forward before making his contract decision.
Johnston emphasized that while McDavid's departure isn't an immediate threat, the indirect repercussions of Draisaitl's potential exit could significantly impact the team's competitiveness and McDavid's future choices.
"If they trade him (Draisaitl) this summer, theoretically, at least Connor would see what the world looks like on the other side of Leon before he's making his decision. I'm not even saying it's a decision for Connor, but I guess it will be ultimately."
"I don't think there's necessarily a threat of him leaving. It's not a direct threat; it's an indirect threat. It's the cascading effect. If Draisaitl leaves and the team doesn't look like it can win, then I think it's a different conversation," the insider added.
Leon Draisaitl is in the final year of an eight-year $68 million contract signed with the Oilers in 2017. He will become a UFA at the end of the 2024–25 season. According to reports, the Oilers and Draisaitl are engaged in contract extension talks, with a potential deadline looming by the end of August.
Also Read: Frank Corrado opines Leon Draisaitl will not sign a long-term extension with Edmonton Oilers
Oilers could face challenges if they have to pay Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid
Leon Draisaitl is eligible to sign a new contract, and his upcoming contract negotiations could set the tone for the Oilers' future path.
In this scenario, if Draisaitl agrees a salary below Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews' $13.25 million AAV, it might indicate a collaborative effort with Connor McDavid to keep the club competitive.
Despite the salary cap increasing, Edmonton could face challenges if they have to pay Draisaitl and McDavid more than Matthews, along with defenseman Evan Bouchard earning over $10 million.
Leon Draisaitl's current $8.5 million deal over eight years is considered a steal, given his consistency since becoming an Oiler. So, the 28-year-old German might aim for a significant raise this time.
If he becomes the highest-paid player in the NHL without a Stanley Cup win next season, it raises the likelihood of Connor McDavid playing out his contract and exploring free agency in 2026.
