In today’s NHL rumors rundown, there is talk that Evander Kane of the Edmonton Oilers could go onto LTIR and have offseason surgery, while talk from an insider is that Leon Draisaitl’s number on an extension will surprise fans in a good way. Meanwhile, Auston Matthews is set to be named the next captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Finally, would the Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets consider a trade?
Kane’s Injury Situation and Draisaitl’s Extension Updates
Frank Seravalli was on Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer and talk was that Evander Kane could start the season on LTIR. Stauffer suggested that this news could buy the Oilers some time, even though it’s not expected the winger would be out the entire season.
Meanwhile, Seravalli says the sense that he has gotten from inside sources is that the end number for Draisaitl’s contract will surprise people in a good way. He believes that the Oilers have two guys in Draisaitl and McDavid who want to support their lineup and not their own wallets. Seravalli says that Draisaitl’s camp could write a number down on a piece of paper and the Oilers would pay it. He just doesn’t think Draisaitil will do that. He believes he and McDavid want to allow the team to build around them.
Seravalli suggested that both players know what it’s like when the team isn’t good. He believes the combined total of the contract would be south of $30 million per season. David Staples of the Edmonton Journal wondered if that number might actually be lower. He writes:
As for what a discount contract will look like for Draisaitl and McDavid, I’ll suggest that number is closer to $26 million annually than $30 million annually, at least if everyone is on the same page that winning the Stanley Cup — while also paying McDavid and Draisaitl as befits their lead dog status on the Oilers — is the top priority.
source – ‘Good vibrations for a “reasonable” contract between Edmonton Oilers and Leon Draisaitl, reports NHL insider’ – David Staples – Edmonton Journal – 08/12/2024
Auston Matthews to Be Named Maple Leafs’ Captain
The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to name Auston Matthews as the team’s new captain on Wednesday, according to multiple reports. TSN’s Darren Dreger broke the story and wrote on social media,…
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