MAJOR: McDavid and Draisaitl's Future with the Oilers Revealed
PUBLICATION
Tom Banks
July 27, 2023 (3:31 PM)
Ever since the arrival of Leon Draisaitl in Edmonton to pair with Connor McDavid, they've been the best duo in the National Hockey League, and now, one insider believes he has the scoop on their future in Edmonton.
A superstar combination
In 2022-23, these two combined for an incredible 281 points, but unfortunately couldn't lead the Oilers out of the Western Conference as Edmonton look to continue building a winner around their big stars.
The lack of playoff success has led many to believe the team could lose one or both of them when their contracts come up, but according to Bob Stauffer, this isn't the case.
«I will say this, what happens, and there's a chance, I might insisit to you it's better than 50/50 that both Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid sign long-term here. Do you think that shuts guys up forever if that happens?
One of the teams that I worried about for Leon was the Los Angeles Kings. Not after this summer, I'm not worried about L.A. anymore. They went and traded for Pierre-Luc Dubois, they did the Phillip Danault contract two years ago, and then they extended Anze Kopitar at a significant dollar amount. They're not going to be in the Draisaitl hunt in a year from now.
I'll tell you, there's one place where Connor and Leon can play together, where they've got the cap space to take them both. That's with the Edmonton Oilers, remember that.» Can they finally take the next step?
Unfortunately, the playoff success hasn't matched up with the regular season production, but Stauffer has predicted a more than 50/50 chance that both remain in Edmonton for a long time to come.
If that is the case and they can stay healthy and get good goaltending, this is a team that's ready to take a deep run, and the closer they get to their ultimate goal, the more chance that Stauffer is right with his prediction.
As Read on Hockey OTB - The Future of McDavid and Draisaitl in Edmonton Revealed
POLL |
Can this duo lead Edmonton past the WCF in 2023-24? |
Yes | 293 | 51.7 % |
No | 274 | 48.3 % |
List of polls |
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