A fantasy trade if Leon Draisaitl doesn't agree a deal with the Oilers soon
The Oilers are still trying to extend star forward Leon Draisaitl before the season begins, but if this isn't possible, we look at a potential fantasy trade.
As we all know, Leon Draisaitl needs to be re-signed by the Edmonton Oilers as quickly as possible. He wants the deal to be done before the upcoming season, otherwise his camp will shelve negotiations because he does not want to be distracted during the campaign.
This is obviously the most ideal scenario in all of this, to get the contract talks completed and out of the way before the 2024-25 season begins. Waiting, for example, until after the offseason next year, would be extremely risky.
If a deal cannot be reached, there is a chance Draisaitl would be traded. If that is the case, which team would be interested in making the splash for the star forward, and at what expense would they be willing to pay for his service?
Which team could actually pull off this move?
There has been speculation for a few months now, about teams where Draisaitl could end up, if he were not to re-sign in Edmonton. This includes the Boston Bruins, where he would become the first line centre, and the San Jose Sharks, in part due to their German owner Hasso Plattner.
However, in terms of an actual trade, the Montreal Canadiens would be the forefront runners in any sweepstake for Draisaitl, because of the talent the team currently possesses, and the available assets they have at their disposal. As per The Athletic, (subscription required), they have been ranked number 6 in their 2024 pipeline rankings with a A-.
The Canadiens have a solid defensive system in place, which will benefit their prospects when they are ready to enter the NHL. However, this doesn't take away from their respective talents, which is why some of them could be used to secure a package that would meet the Oilers' standards in return for Draisaitil.
Which players could the Oilers get?
As a defenceman, David Savard is an accomplished Stanley Cup Champion, and would be a good veteran fit for the team as a solid blue liner. His credibility as a defenceman has been somewhat questioned in Montreal, and a fresh start could be the way forward.
Savard's base salary of $2.3 million for the coming season is not too high, although he does become an unrestricted free agent once it concludes. His physical presence has earned him plenty of minutes over the years, especially the Tampa Bay Lightning, with whom he won his championship in 2020-21.
However, in terms of an actual fantasy trade, Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki would be a great return for the Oilers in exchange for Draisaitl. Suzuki is a rising star who is an excellent two-way centre, but whether the Canadiens would be prepared to give him up, is the question,
Next. Leon Draisaitl won't do Oilers any favours in negotiations. Leon Draisaitl won't do Oilers any favours in negotiations. dark
A second-round pick would seal the deal for a blockbuster trade like this one, in what could be the game-changer both teams are looking for. It would go down as a deal that took two teams to their limit, perhaps turning their ultimate sacrifices into the ultimate victory for each team.
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