Quote:
Originally Posted by GioforPM
That's not true at all.
First, I think it's only 3 UFA years acquired. The Preds got 7 years of UFA for RyJo for $8M.
Second, he had no arbitration rights. No one was offer sheeting him because of the inherent limitations. His only "card" was to sit out.
Third, he had no track record as an effective centre. His points were largely on the wing. He needed the Oilers (and McDavid) more than they needed him, IMO.
IMO the Oilers messed up. They needed to sign Leon first. Before McDavid. They needed to tell him they needed a good deal or else they'd have trouble on McDavid's deal.
|
Yeah you are right on 3 UFA years, my bad.
As for center/wing, he still played center a lot. 52 points there in 15/16. And in 16/17 he didn't play on the wing until December and he was still putting up points. Played well at center in the playoffs when called upon.
There's a good argument to be made that the Oilers could have gotten Draisatil cheaper for sure. I just don't see how they could have gotten him signed for something that started with a number smaller than 7.