Leon Draisaitl has been one of the NHL's best offensive players the league has seen in quite some time. Throughout his career he's always been on the same team as Connor McDavid, one of the best players of all time. And yet, the Oilers have not found a way to win with both of these players in their prime. As a result, many are beginning to wonder if either or both players may request a trade soon.
NHL Insider Suggests Draisaitl Is Considering Asking For A trade From Oilers
Sportsnet reporter and NHL insider Elliotte Friedman discussed the future of the Oilers on the Jeff Marek Show this morning. What the veteran insider had to say about the team should concern Oilers fans. He hinted at the fact that Leon Draisaitl may start considering asking for a trade soon if the team does not turn things around quickly.
''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."
Edmonton Oilers Face Difficult Contract Decisions With Superstar Players
Friedman also noted that the team is going to face a lot of tough decisions in the coming months and years given the current performance of the team and the contract status of their star players.
Connor McDavid has just two years left after this one with the Oilers at a 12.5 million dollar cap hit. He will be an unrestricted free agent after the contract expires. The team has even less time to figure things out with Leon Draisaitl as he has just one year left after this one at a cap hit of 8.5 million dollars. Both players will be due raises, especially Draisaitl, who will easily make eight figures on his next deal.
If the Oilers can't figure things out now, eight years after McDavid's draft, will there ever be a time when they can finish the puzzle? It will be these kinds of questions that Draisaitl, McDavid, and every Oilers player will have to ask themselves when they are considering their future with the team.