Quote:
Originally Posted by Sofa GM
I don’t agree. I think he signs a max term deal (7 or 8 yr pending Oilers or not). Don’t think he wants to be competing with McDavid in the same contract year, he would be far and away the highest profile free agent this year (outside of Rantanen who isn’t going anywhere).
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There could be some advantage to being a free agent the same year… especially if it becomes known this year to all the teams that Draisaitl and McDavid will test free agency in 2026. So many teams would clear cap space for McDavid to make a push for him. The teams that fall short would have plenty of space for Draisaitl. Where as, lots of teams that commit to Draisaitl in 2025 (if he goes to free agency ASAP) would potentially be giving up a chance at McDavid in 2026 - this could shorten the list of teams that choose to commit to Draisaitl in 2025.
I could absolutely see the sticking issue with negotiations being that Draisaitl only wants a 1 year deal. The oilers are terrified of that because it pretty much announces to the hockey world that both Draisaitl and McDavid are leaving in 2026.