Top Contenders for Leon Draisaitl Has Been Narrowed Down to Five Teams

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Hunter Bowman
January 12, 2024 (9:52 PM)

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The Edmonton Oilers have had a star duo for quite a while, but without a Stanley Cup win, there's talk about losing one of their key players to free agency.

The question on everyone's mind: Could Draisaitl leave the Oilers in free agency?

With 672 games under his belt as an Edmonton Oilers member, rumors persist that Leon Draisaitl might be heading out, despite his successful partnership with Connor McDavid.

Draisaitl boasts an impressive record of 325 goals and 787 points over the years. Yet, the Oilers' limited Stanley Cup success could pave the way for a surprising departure in free agency.

Notably, according to Edmonton Oilers reporter Mark Spector, Draisaitl might have his sights on some big-market teams if he were to part ways with McDavid.

In his recent article, Mark Spector lists the Vegas Golden Knights, Los Angeles Kings, Boston Bruins, New York Islanders, and New York Rangers as teams that superstar F Leon Draisaitl could consider if he were to leave the Edmonton Oilers when his current contract is up.

While there isn't any reason to believe Draisaitl is considering leaving Edmonton, Drai stated he was going to do «what's best for him» when his current contract is up, not giving any real answer when he was asked about re-signing.

Additionally, Spector suggests that Draisaitl's next contract could be his final one, indicating he's unlikely to go for a short-term deal like Auston Matthews. Instead, he might be eyeing a longer commitment with whatever team he chooses.

Spector believes Drai's next contract will be the team he finishes out his career with, as he believes there is almost no chance he signs a short-term deal like Auston Matthews did with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Source: Houseofhockey