Now that William Nylander's case with the Toronto Maple Leafs has been resolved, it is the contract situation of Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl that is causing a stir in Canada.
The German star player and the Alberta club could agree to a contract extension on July 1 as he enters the final year of his eight-year contract, which will see him earn $8.5 million annually.
“I know the situation will arise on July 1st. But there is another aspect. You know, the Oilers have a say too,” said Draisaitl, whose comments were reported by Sportsnet on Wednesday.
“After that, it’s up to me,” he added.
The striker has the resume to demand a significant pay rise. He has won the Hart, Art Ross and Ted Lindsay Trophies and has also had four seasons with more than 100 points. His next deal will be the biggest contract he will sign and he is well aware of that.
“Oh yes,” he confirmed. There are a lot of thoughts and conversations with my family and my agents. I think right now everyone wants me to just focus on my sport.”
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Related to McDavid
Draisaitl's contract ends a year before that of his teammate Connor McDavid, who is also entitled to an impressive raise with his next contract. Many are wondering whether the Oilers will have the means to persuade the two skaters to stay and whether the two accomplices will want to continue their careers with the club.
“He's going to do what's best for him, and I have to do the same for myself,” Draisaitl simply hinted when asked about the future of the dynamic duo he forms with McDavid.
“We have had a lot of success together and would of course like to have even more success as a team. I’m sure there will be discussions at some point.”
“But he will do what is best for him and I will do what is best for me,” he then insisted, repeating.