Insider reveals Leon Draisaitl & the Oilers are at odds and it could get ugly

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Axel Williams
September 1, 2024 (3:39 PM)

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Leon Draisaitl is one of the best players in the entire NHL, and despite being the sidekick to Connor McDavid, the consensus is that he is about to become the highest-paid player in the entire NHL.

Throughout the past couple of months, there have been conflicting reports about the contract negotiations between Draisaitl and the Oilers. Some have claimed that Draisaitl is looking for a team-friendly deal that would pay him $13 million per year. However, new reports suggest that Draisaitl is actually looking for more than that.

While speaking on SN960 The FAN's Big Show, NHL insider Frank Seravalli revealed that it is more than like that Draisaitl actually wants a total of $14 million per year. In fact, Seravalli believes the Oilers and Draisaitl are much further apart than initially believed.

"I think in the end the number is going to end up being probably one that starts with a 14," Seravalli said. "If the Oilers were thinking heading into this process that he's going to take a significant team-friendly discount, I think the early indications are that's not the case."

This is obviously not very good for the Oilers who already have a ton of cap space issues right now. They had to let Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway walk, which was disappointing to a lot of fans. Not to mention, next summer, they will have to worry about Connor McDavid's contract. Needless to say, the Oilers and GM Stan Bowman have a whole lot to think about.

Do you believe that Leon Draisaitl deserves $14 million per year? Let us know in the poll down below and stay tuned to Hockey Unplugged for the latest news and updates from around the hockey world. We will continue to keep you informed on your favorite players and teams.

Source: Sports Illustrated
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