I seriously think Draisaitl’s trade request will come before the trade deadline if they keep losing like this through December. Doubt the actual trade happens before the TDL though.
Even if Draisaitl doesn’t make a trade demand… he won’t re-sign this offseason. At most, I could see him saying “let’s see how the season goes”. Which means, if they don’t get off to a roaring start right away next season, he’s not re-signing at all and he’s off to free agency. The question is… would the oilers go into next season without him signed or would they trade him this summer if he refused to sign? I really don’t think they will trade him this summer unless he demands a trade. Because losing draisaitl like means McDavid will follow, they will probably just take the gamble next season. If it’s a losing season again… they will have to trade him at the 2025 TDL. If they look like they might make the playoffs… they’ll walk him to free agency.
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