Frank's own previous statements at times were a bit contradicting though. First I remember him saying the "Oilers will slide over a blank cheque". And then even his number in the previous message was something like "They will spend $40M for all 3", which doesn't really speak to a discount for any of the players.
I think if they give McDavid $15.5M, Draisaitl $14.5M, and Bouchard $10M and spend $40M total then they probably could get all three signed but doesn't sound like that's the plan.
I think Frank's assumption might have been "Oilers will pay whatever required to keep these guys", but the narrative coming out of local media, and the team themselves has changed since Bowman got there. There narrative is now "these guys need to take a discount to stay and win in Edmonton".
Which to me means the Oilers are playing with fire.
Draisaitl doesn't seem like the type who would react well to what he would see as a low ball offer...and if they are offering him $12M I don't think he's going to like that.
And if you let Draisaitl walk or move him...then I think that just increases the odds of McDavid not extending there.
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