Leon Draisaitl Sounds Unsure About his Future in Edmonton

PUBLICATION

Pat Quinn
January 11, 2024 (9:24)

SHARE THIS STORY

The Edmonton Oilers really value Leon Draisaitl, one of the best players in the NHL and the second best player on his club. The Oilers will need to pay him a significant raise when his contract expires at the end of the 2024�25 season because he has been, in my opinion, one of the most undervalued players ever since he signed it.

Sportsnet interview with Draisaitl full of great quotes

Draisaitl had an interview with Sportsnet's Mark Spector this Tuesday, he talked about his and McDavid's time in Edmonton:

«At the end of the day, he's going to do what's best for him, and I'm going to have to do the same thing for me. We've had a lot of success together, and we would like to have more success as a team, of course. I'm sure at some point, there's going to be some conversations. But at the end of the day, he's going to do what's best for him and I'm going to do what's best for me.»

The way Draisaitl responded, it sounds as though he may be looking at all options as he goes to the UFA market.

With Auston Matthews and William Nylander signing large NHL deals recently, the discussion about Draisaitl's contract came up as well:

«There's a lot of thought, a lot of conversation that goes into it. With family. With my agents, of course. Right now, I think everyone just wants me to focus on playing. I know the situation come July 1. But there's another side to it as well. You know, the Oilers have a say in this as well. Come July 1, at least. After that, it's up to me.»

It sounds as though he is not thinking about the next contract he signs but knows his worth.

«Of course, I want to finish the job. That's why I pour my heart, my emotions � my body language, sometimes � into it every day. That's the way I'm wired. I care a lot. Of course, I want to finish the job. And I want to finish it here. But there are lots of things that go into it. Lots of things that play a role in these situations. And at the end of the day, I'm going to give you the boring answer again: We'll see how it plays out.»

This season so far has not been typical Leon

Thus far, the Draisaitl season has not been the typical one that we have all grown accustomed to. Although he scores more than a point a game, his overall point total is only 22ndin the NHL. The Oilers' dismal start is probably to blame, but they have since improved and so has his point per game totals.

As Read On Oilers Nation - �I'm going to do what's best for me:' Oilers star Draisaitl opens up on expiring contract in Sportsnet interview