[SuperMatt18]

McDavid is the driver IMO

Like Crosby he will be productive and still elite into his late 30's - so you don't punt on him.

But I do think there is a discussion around Draisaitl. Is he a top 5 player in the league?...or is he a top 20 player in the league that looks like a top 5 player when he's playing next to the clear cut number 1 player in the league?

There are times where I think they are both top 5 players, but then I look at some of the stats and he's just not that guy when he's not playing with McDavid.

Regular Season (21-24 Even Strength)
With McDavid: 1474 TOI, 57.6% CF, 58.1% xGF, 59.3% GF
W/O McDavid: 2655 TOI, 50.3% CF, 51.5% xGF, 53.2% GF
97 w/o 29: 2716 TOI, 56.2% CF, 60.9% xGF, 58.1% GF

Playoffs (21-24 Even Strength)
With McDavid: 431 TOI, 58.6% CF, 54.9% xGF, 60.8% GF
W/O McDavid: 495 TOI, 44.8% CF, 46.2% xGF, 39.0% GF
97 w/o 29: 563 TOI, 53.4% CF, 56.7% xGF, 56.9% GF

And looking at actual points per 60 for the last 3 seasons:

5v5
1-Mackinnon: 3.22
2) Matthews: 3.01
3) Marner: 2.98
4) McDavid: 2.93
5) Tkachuk:L 2.89

20) Draisaitl: 2.52

Powerplay
1) McDavid: 10.85
2) Kucherov: 9.51

3) Draisaitl: 9.48

All Situations
1) McDavid: 4.69
2) Kucherov: 4.5
3) MacKinnon: 4.22
4) Draisaitl: 3.97
5) Tkachuk: 3.95

I do think there is a universe where trading Draisaitl potentially makes them a better team. He's a top 20 player that get bumped into the conversation of being a top 5 player because he plays with McDavid and one of the most effective PPs in NHL history.

For example if the Rangers offered you Chytil, Lafreniere, K.Miller, 2 1sts or something crazy like that...I think the Oilers are potentially better off.

But the kicker is if McDavid says "I'm only listening to your pitch to stay if Draisaitl stays" then you pretty much have to give Draisaitl the money. Remember there is a reason that McDavids' former agent is now the President, McDavid is driving the bus here and you do whatever you can to keep McDavid.