Leon Draisaitl changes his contract demands yet again

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Liam McCormick
February 8, 2024 (4:29 PM)

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At the end of this season, the Edmonton Oilers front office will kick into full gear to address one of the franchise's most important decisions in history - the next contract for Leon Draisaitl. According to a new update from TSN's Ryan Rishaug, Draisaitl's demands have steadily increased through this year.

On a radio hit on OverDrive, Rishaug said that the Oilers need to begin negotiations with Draisaitl immediately to find out if he's willing to sign with the team long-term. If there's even a hint of hesitation with Draisaitl committing to the Oilers, the team will need to consider trading him so they don't lose such a great player for nothing.

»If Leon Draisaitl won't extend this summer, can you let him go into his unrestricted year? The negotiation really gets underway for real this summer. If he's not willing to sign on the dotted line, are you gonna walk him into his unrestricted year and potentially lose that player for nothing?

Not only will the Oilers have to protect themselves from losing Draisaitl for nothing, his contract demands have steadily increased this season, and the team will have to find a way to make the price manageable. According to Rishaug, Draisaitl could be seeking a salary in the range of $14M, or potentially more.

»What's his dollar look like? People might think I'm absolutely out of my mind for saying this but I'm telling you, 13-14, for what this player has accomplished, get ready. Start thinking 14 range.»

This also brings into the equation another raise for Connor McDavid, whose contract will be up the following year. The Oilers need to find a way to make both fit, and they're already strapped for the salary cap.

Now 28 years old and undoubtedly a top 5 player in the league, Draisaitl is currently on the best value contract in the league at $8.5M. Since signing that contract, Draisaitl has gone on to produce 4 seasons with over 100 points, and has consistently been a top scorer in the league every year. Also playing a premium position in Center, Draisaitl is slotted to become one of the highest paid players in the league.

SOURCE: https://www.tsn.ca/video/rishaug-start-thinking-14m-range-for-draisaitl-s-future-extension~2862507

POLL
FEVRIER 8 \| 3040 ANSWERS Leon Draisaitl changes his contract demands yet again Would you sign Draisaitl at $14M?
Yes, but not any more	735	24.2 %
No, it's too much	1357	44.6 %
Give him whatever he wants	615	20.2 %
See Results	333	11 %
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