Leon Draisaitl's reported demand to remain with Oilers is no surprise

Whether Leon Draisaitl likes it or not (we suspect he won't care), he's going to be the major talking point and news piece concerning the Edmonton Oilers for the forseeable future. This is what happens when you only have one year left on your current deal, particularly when you're one of the most productive players in the team's history.

Draisaitl currently sits sixth in all-time points among Oilers players and barring disaster, will move up into fifth place by the conclusion of the 2024-25 campaign. He's part of an elite group of Oilers who've won the Hart Memorial Trophy, along with Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier and current teammate Connor McDavid.

Some people may consider the 28-year-old a bit moody, but we prefer to view him as straight-talking and not prepared to put up with BS from others. Regardless of public opinion though, he's an extremely important and well-liked person within the Oilers locker room.

Is he staying or going?

So when there's speculation doing the rounds that Draisaitl might be headed to Boston to become the Bruins' number one centre, there's a certain degree of panic among fans. When a rumor comes out that he could be headed to join the San Jose Sharks due to their German owner, supporters have to wonder what's going on?

Earlier this month, one of the five-time NHL All-Star's agents all but sounded like he was putting an ultimatum to the Oilers. Speaking to Eishockey NEWS, Jiri Poner said: "We have our ideas, but the ball is in Edmonton's court. 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."

With all this in mind, comments have now emerged from Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now, which give some insight into negotiations between the two sides. As per David Staples of the Edmonton Journal, Stauffer spoke to another one of Draisaitl's agents, Mike Liut, who is involved in negotiations.

Draisaitl looking at eight years

Speaking on his Oilers Now radio show, Stauffer said: "It is my belief that we are probably looking at an eight-year deal for Leon. And if I was representing Leon I would want an eight-year deal for a 29-year-old player."

Of course a longer deal for Draisaitl makes sense, i.e. the longer the better, especially as this is likely to be the biggest contract of his NHL career in respect of annual average value. On the positive side though, when considering the sense Stauffer says, it alludes to the player's preference to remain in Edmonton.

It has often been talked about how much the 2020 Art Ross Trophy winner loves playing for the Oilers, likes the city, and has a close friendship with McDavid. And with the team ever so close to finally winning the Stanley Cup and with a stronger roster, why wouldn't he want to stick around?

AAV will be the key

Of course, despite all this, it's still easier said than done. Just in respect of how much Draisaitl will want and quite frankly how much he deserves and will get on the open market versus how much the Oilers can afford, when considering their salary cap situation and needing to get McDavid re-signed a year later.

We're extremely confident the Cologne, German native will get at least $12.5 million per season, although it could go as high as $14 million. Keep in mind though, that this is from the perspective of with the Oilers specifically -- he'll almost certainly command more if he decides to hit the free agent market following the 2024-25 season.

Given this entire situation, the pressure is on controversial recent hire Stan Bowman to hit the ground running in Edmonton, especially with a lot of people prepared to criticise every little thing which he does even slightly wrong. It doesn't even bear thinking about the explosion of hate and vitriol Bowman and the Oilers would receive, if Draisaitl decided to move on and sign elsewhere.

Ultimately though, we do predict Draisaitl will re-sign with the Oilers and remain in Edmonton. However, until pen is actually put to paper, the uncertainty and speculation will continue.

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