After falling so close in their pursuit of the Stanley Cup, the Edmonton Oilers had some big decisions to make over the summer, and with just weeks to spare until training camp, they made one of them. After weeks of speculation, Leon Draisaitl was locked in on an eight-year deal, carrying a cap hit of $14 million, with the Oilers locking down one of the biggest stars they've had in quite some time.
According to Friedman, the negotiation that brought No. 29 back to the team wasn't just about Draisaitl, but it was both of the Oilers top stars essentially negotiating as a package, with all expectations that McDavid returns to the Oilers. Over the past eight years, the two have combined for 12 seasons of 100 points or more, and given their love for each other and the city, this report certainly makes sense.
Although significant pay increases for both will leave the Oilers front office with plenty of work to do to keep this roster rolling, it's worth it to keep them in Edmonton for a long time to come, with all expectations that they will win one, if not multiple Stanley Cups.