Why Leon Draisaitl is Unlikely to Depart from the Edmonton Oilers

According to Scott Maxwell of the Daily Faceoff, Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl is enjoying an exceptional playoff season, solidifying his status as one of the standout performers in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. His impressive scoring and assist record has positioned him as one of the leading point contributors this postseason, showcasing his skill and importance to the team. As the Oilers aim for championship glory, Draisaitl’s performance will be pivotal. The question of his future with the team remains, especially with the playoffs intensifying.

NHL Rumors: Utah Hockey Club Will Be Cautiously Aggressive This Summer

As Draisaitl approaches the final year of his eight-year contract, which carries an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million, there is widespread speculation regarding the size of his next contract. Fans and analysts alike anticipate that Draisaitl will command a significant pay increase given his stellar performance and market value. However, Maxwell emphasizes that there are no credible indications that Draisaitl intends to leave the Oilers. The narrative could shift if the Oilers secure a Stanley Cup, but as it stands, his loyalty to the franchise remains strong.

Moreover, the Oilers face another pressing issue: balancing their financial commitments, especially concerning Evan Bouchard, who is also excelling during the playoffs. With limited salary cap space, the team must navigate these financial waters carefully to retain their key players while striving for future success.

Exploring Four Possible Trade Destinations for Bruins Goalie Linus Ullmark

In an insightful piece by Matt Larkin of Daily Faceoff, the upcoming offseason promises to be an intriguing time for the goalie market, with several notable goaltenders, including Linus Ullmark of the Boston Bruins, drawing attention. As teams look to bolster their rosters, Ullmark’s future is uncertain, especially given the competitive landscape of NHL goaltending. His performance this season has put him in the spotlight, making him a key asset in any potential trades.

NHL Rumors: Boston Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes

The Bruins face a challenging decision as they look to retain both Jeremy Swayman, a restricted free agent due for a pay rise, and Ullmark, who has proven to be a crucial component of their roster. Given the constraints of the salary cap, it is likely impractical for the team to keep both goaltenders without making significant adjustments to their lineup. This situation sets the stage for potential trades as the Bruins weigh their options.

Ullmark’s unique situation, which includes a customized 16-team no-trade clause that shifts to a 15-team provision on July 1st, gives him a degree of control over his future. Larkin outlines four potential destinations for Ullmark. The first is the Colorado Avalanche, where a need for improvement in goalkeeping exists, particularly following their early playoff exits in recent years. Ullmark could provide the stability they require to advance further next season.

The second potential landing spot is the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings previously attempted to acquire Ullmark, but he declined due to his desire to remain in Boston for a championship run. However, the Kings are in dire need of reliable goaltending for sustained success, and convincing Ullmark to join them would likely require a substantial trade package, potentially centered around Pierre-Luc Dubois.

NHL Rumors: Has Linus Ullmark Played His Last Game in Boston?

Third on the list is the New Jersey Devils, who have openly acknowledged their need for a goaltender. GM Tom Fitzgerald has stated their intention to pursue prominent options, and Ullmark could fit that bill. However, the decision will ultimately depend on the trade package and whether the Devils are included on Ullmark’s no-trade list.

Lastly, the Ottawa Senators represent another intriguing possibility. With their young core still developing, goaltending has been a persistent issue, and Ullmark could provide the necessary experience and skill. However, it’s uncertain whether he would be inclined to accept a trade to Ottawa, given the team’s current trajectory and challenges.