Edmonton Oilers & Leon Draisaitl close to long-term extension
The Edmonton Oilers and Leon Draisaitl appear to be close to an extension according to industry insiders.
Earlier this week it was reported that the Edmonton Oilers & Leon Draisaitl's camp have sat down to talk about an extension that should keep the generational German in central Alberta for the foreseeable future. Now according to an insider close to the situation it appears that a deal is imminent and the 28-year-old will be able to call Edmonton home until at least 2032.
Draisaitl who was drafted third overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft has been nothing short of sensational since his first year in the league during the 2015-2016 season. In 719 NHL games all with the Edmonton Oilers he has amassed 347 goals along with 503 assists for 850 points not only cementing him as one of the best players in the league but as the best talent to ever come out of Germany.
If anyone had ever considered that Draisaitl would go looking for greener pastures with another NHL team they should have their head examined. Although the rumours were rampant that he would explore other opportunities he would have been crazy to move on to another team as the Oilers have a very good thing going for them.
Playing second fiddle to Connor McDavid must be difficult, but Draisaitl by all accounts seems to be mature enough and has an understanding that the game is team-oriented and although it's important to look out for himself, that winning as a group is equally as important and that's what he wants to do, with this Oilers group.
Update: According to TSN's Ryan Rishaug reports that a deal was close was incorrect.
| POLL | ||
Do you think Leon Draisaitl cares that he plays second fiddle to Connor McDavid? | ||
| Yes> It eats at him | 22 | 20.8 % |
| No. He's a team guy that wants to win | 84 | 79.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
