Leon Draisaitl Addresses His Future in Edmonton: It Seems as If He is Ready to Move on From the Oilers
PUBLICATION
Pat Quinn
January 11, 2024 (9:22)
Leon Draisaitl is a top player in the NHL and the second best player on his team who is incredibly important to the Edmonton Oilers. His contract is coming up at the end of the 2024-25 season, and the Oilers are going to have to give him a big raise considering he's been, arguably, one of the most underpaid players since signing his deal.
Draisaitl's recent interview about his time and future in Edmonton
Draisaitl sat down for a one-on-one interview with Sportsnet's Mark Spector, where he discussed his and McDavid's time in Edmonton:
«At the end of the day, he's going to do what's best for him, and I'm going to have to do the same thing for me. We've had a lot of success together, and we would like to have more success as a team, of course. I'm sure at some point, there's going to be some conversations. But at the end of the day, he's going to do what's best for him and I'm going to do what's best for me.»
That answer leaves a little to the imagination that Draisaitl may be looking at all options as he goes to the UFA market.
The topic of his contract came up as well, especially as the monster deals signed by Auston Matthews and William Nylander are still fresh in everyone minds.
«There's a lot of thought, a lot of conversation that goes into it. With family. With my agents, of course. Right now, I think everyone just wants me to focus on playing. I know the situation come July 1. But there's another side to it as well. You know, the Oilers have a say in this as well. Come July 1, at least. After that, it's up to me.»
It sounds as though he is not thinking about the contract but knows a minimum he will command.
«Of course, I want to finish the job. That's why I pour my heart, my emotions — my body language, sometimes — into it every day. That's the way I'm wired. I care a lot. Of course, I want to finish the job. And I want to finish it here. But there are lots of things that go into it. Lots of things that play a role in these situations. And at the end of the day, I'm going to give you the boring answer again: We'll see how it plays out.»
Draisaitl's season to date so far has been underwhelming
Draisaitl's season so far has not been the usual Draisaitl season we have all been used to. Sure he is over a point per game, but he is also just 22nd in point scoring overall. It is likely due to how poor the Oilers' start was but the team has been rebounding since.
As Read On Oilers Nation - 'I'm going to do what's best for me:' Oilers star Leon Draisaitl opens up on expiring contract in Sportsnet interview
POLL |
JANVIER 11 | 59 ANSWERS Leon Draisaitl Addresses His Future in Edmonton: It Seems as If He is Ready to Move on From the Oilers Will Draisaitl score over 50 goals? |
Yes | 32 | 54.2 % |
No | 27 | 45.8 % |
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