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Leon Draisaitl is entering the final year of a seven-year, $68 million contract signed with the Edmonton Oilers in 2017. Following the Oilers' Stanley Cup defeat to the Panthers last month, rumors circulated suggesting that the 28-year-old German forward might leave the organization.
Amid swirling rumors and speculation surrounding his potential departure, reports have emerged indicating that Leon Draisaitl may lean towards a short-term deal, reportedly a three-to-four-year contract, rather than committing to an eight-year deal.
On the "Clearing the Crease Podcast," former NHLer Mike Commodore shared an unpopular opinion regarding Draisaitl's future with the Oilers.
He expressed his belief that Leon Draisaitl might not sign an extension with the team. During the discussion with Andrew Raycroft and host James Cybulski, Commodore raised the scenario of the Oilers facing a dilemma of either trading Draisaitl or risking him without compensation.
"I know, so they trade him or lose for nothing. What if they're sitting in first place looking at another trip to the final?" he asked.
The former NHLer also pondered the situation where the Oilers could find themselves leading the position and eyeing another shot at the final, adding a layer of uncertainty to Draisaitl's future with the team.
Top insider speculates Leon Draisaitl's contract extension with the Oilers
According to NHL insider David Pagnotta, there is a possibility that Draisaitl could secure a contract extension sooner rather than later.
Pagnotta delved into the potential contract scenarios for the future and suggested that discussions for an extension are ongoing, hinting at the likelihood of a shorter-term deal than a four-or five-year contract.
Pagnotta said on the "Hello Hockey Podcast" last week:
“They’re going to continue their discussions with respect to an extension. Unless something has changed, since, I guess, the start of the playoffs, it’s more likely to see an Auston Matthews-esque-type extension. Four, five-year deal. Or, anywhere between a three to five-year extension versus a full eight.”
Leon Draisaitl was drafted No. 3 overall by the Oilers in the 2014 draft. The 29-year-old has played 719 games over ten seasons with the team.
The uncertainty surrounding Draisaitl's future with the Oilers has fueled ongoing speculation and discussions. Until the organization makes a definitive decision regarding Draisaitl's contract status, the rumors and conjecture surrounding his potential departure will continue.
Also Read: Draisaitl confirms association with new soccer league co-founded by $25M ex-Germany star Toni Kroos
