Insider Elliotte Friedman Scares Edmonton Oilers Fans With Statement on Leon Draisaitl's Future

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Graham Montgomery
November 21, 2023 (8:17 PM)

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Oilers fans have had a tough go of it this year. Most of them likely expected their team to easily make the playoffs if not win the pacific division and they certainly had dreams about winning the Stanley Cup. Now they have to be worried about the future of the team with Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid.

Elliotte Friedman Scares Oilers Fans With Comment About Draisaitl's Future

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman made some comments today about Oilers superstar forward Leon Draisaitl that Oilers fans are not going to be happy to hear. He suggested that Draisaitl may be considering all possibilities regarding his future with the Oilers and if he isn't already thinking about it, he likely will be soon.

Friedman on TJMS: "Sooner or later you start to look at the long-term picture, like uh oh, Draisaitl, what's he thinking right now? I don't believe you're there yet, but it's there, it's not too far into the horizon if this doesn't turn around"

Notably, Draisaitl is a free agent at the end of next season. He is due a big raise on his current 8.5 million dollar cap hit. McDavid's contract is up the following season. Friedman also pointed this out, noting that the Oilers will need to have some 'difficult conversations' before the end of the year.

Friedman on the Oilers (TJMS): "They're in a unique point this year because of the contract calendar. The contract calendar is going to force them into a lot of difficult conversations and decisions but I think you have to have some clarity on those holes before you go maniacal on some of the changes you make"

Oilers In Serious Jeopardy Of Missing NHL Playoffs

Since the Oilers drafted Connor McDavid in 2015 they have only missed the playoffs altogether three times, not counting the 2020 season where the team lost in the covid-year qualifying round. Given their 5-11-1 start this season, it seems that they are destined to miss the playoffs again. TSN 1050's overdrive crew discussed this fact, stating that it is 'unacceptable' for the Oilers to be missing the playoffs with both Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in their prime.

"The idea that Edmonton is legitimately facing the possibility of missing the playoffs, it is real. If you miss a prime season of McDavid and Draisaitl, that is inexcusable."

Hayes, Noodles and O-Dog discuss the Oilers' rocky dynamic and the state of the team.

#LetsGoOilers

The Oilers have not been in such a state of disarray since before McDavid was drafted. Now their long-term success is in serious jeopardy as they have proven they cannot form a winning team around two of the best players in the league. Will they be able to convince Draisaitl and McDavid to stay?

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Do you think Leon Draisaitl will request a trade from the Oilers this year?
Yes	410	39.8 %
Yes, but he doesn't get traded	293	28.4 %
No way	327	31.7 %
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