The Oilers and Lightning reportedly discussed a deal to send Nikita Kucherov to Edmonton

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Joshua Deeds
June 14, 2022 (1:06 PM)

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The 2019 entry draft was held in Vancouver, in what was a great draft class that year. Among the players drafted were Jack Hughes, Kirby Dach, Cole Caufield and Matthew Boldy.

However what didn't go down was this one-for-one, blockbuster trade, which possibly could've rejuvenated the Edmonton Oilers' offense.

The word according to Jeff Marek was the Tampa Bay Lightning were attempting to deal their star forward, Nikita Kucherov, to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a potential star player in return. The rumoured return would have been, now superstar, Leon Draisaitl.

In all aspects, it seems like it'd be a one-for-one, given both players are All-Stars, but this was pre-Stanley Cup Dynasty, so the leverage wasn't in Kucherov's favor yet.

The Tampa Bay Lightning would be saving on the cap if they brought in Draisaitl today, as Kucherov's current hit is:

$9,500,000

Nikita Kucherov's salary is $9,000,000 and his cap hit is $9,500,000 for the 2022-23 season. His salary is comprised of $5,000,000 in signing bonuses and $4,000,000 in base salary. He is a 28 year old right wing who was born on Jun. 17, 1993.

Whereas Draisaitl would be a bonus, being healthier and a playmaker:

$8,500,000

Leon Draisaitl signed a 6 year / $68,000,000 contract with the Edmonton Oilers, including $68,000,000 guaranteed, and an annual average salary of $11,333,333. In 2022-23, Draisaitl will earn a base salary of $1,000,000 and a signing bonus of $7,000,000, while carrying a cap hit of $8,500,000.

Who knows what could've been? Leon Draisaitl has far more upside in 2021-2022 than Kucherov who while still post-season, only has 25 goals and 44 assists for 69 points. Leon Draisaitl put up an amazing 55 goals and 55 assists for 110 points.

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