Leon Draisaitl linked to sleeper team in free agency by prominent NHL insider
Photo credit: The Hockey News
The Edmonton Oilers next most important piece of offseason business will be a contract extension for Leon Draisaitl - but they'll be facing some competition.
According to NHL reporter Andy Strickland, the San Jose Sharks will be making a major push to acquire Leon Draisaitl, likely when he hits free agency.
»There have been zero numbers passed back and forth between the Edmonton Oilers . . . And Leon Draisaitl. I don't even know if Draisaitl wants to stay in Edmonton . . . I will say that one team people point towards, a rumour that's out there about Leon Draisaitl - the San Jose Sharks, who have an owner who's from Germany, they're using that connection and they're gonna throw a ton of money at Leon Draisaitl.»
- Andy Strickland
https://x.com/camandstrick/status/1821221025499009089?s=46&t=OJ3caFWCfVeV0DWdJLHvAQ- Andy Strickland
Multiple Insiders link Leon Draisaitl to San Jose Sharks in free agency
Strickland guarded himself by also saying that Draisaitl may re-sign in Edmonton, and does want to win a Stanley Cup which the Oilers seem primed to do. However, there's now been multiple reports of the Sharks being extremely interested in Leon Draisaitl, and hopefully it doesn't attract his attention too much. In addition to Strickland, Jeff Marek and Greg Wyshynski have also reported the Sharks will take a major run at Leon Draisaitl.
The Oilers are the more obvious choice for Draisaitl to win a Stanley Cup, but San Jose could now be a much more desirable location for players now that they've acquired a number of high-end prospects. Over the course of an max term contract, the Sharks could develop into a Cup Contender with Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. Add in the personal connection with German owner Hasso Plattner, the weather of San Jose, a $14M salary, and the Sharks may have an enticing offer for Draisaitl.
On the other hand, plenty of NHL sources have also reported that Draisaitl is very interested in signing a long term contract to contend for multiple Cups with the Oilers - and to play alongside Connor McDavid for his career. Hopefully the allure of winning and elite talent, along with the Oilers offering him a blank cheque, is enough for Draisaitl to commit to playing the rest of his career in Edmonton.
There's no rush yet, but either it happens quickly, i.e., by the end of August, or it doesn't work out at all. It will also become clear whether Edmonton really wants him or not.»
- Jiri Poner, Draisaitl's agent
- Jiri Poner, Draisaitl's agent
Draisaitl's agent has even said that a contract must be reached before September, indication that they will not negotiate in-season. In the coming weeks, hopefully the Oilers can agree to terms with their homegrown superstar.
Source: The Cam and Strick Podcast
Strickland speaks on Draisaitl to San Jose Sharks
| POLL | ||
7 AOUT | 156 ANSWERS Leon Draisaitl linked to sleeper team in free agency by prominent NHL insider Do you think Leon Draisaitl will stay with the Oilers, or leave in free agency? | ||
| He'll stay in Edmonton | 126 | 80.8 % |
| He's leaving Edmonton | 27 | 17.3 % |
| See Results | 3 | 1.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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