Despite this, Edmonton Journal reporter Jim Matheson has raised doubts about Draisaitl's long-term prospects in Edmonton, citing the Bruins' intense interest in acquiring the star center.
Matheson's report suggests the Bruins are prepared to do whatever it takes to secure Draisaitl, should he become available. This speculation gains some credence from recent tensions within the Oilers, highlighted by a public argument between Draisaitl and teammate Evander Kane, leading to Kane being benched. These incidents cast a shadow over Draisaitl's willingness to remain with the team, despite his stated preference for staying in Edmonton.
The organizational stability of the Oilers is also in question, with recent changes in coaching and ongoing rumors about General Manager Ken Holland's job security. The team's performance in the upcoming playoffs is seen as a critical factor that could influence major decisions about its future direction, including Draisaitl's status with the team. While a trade involving Draisaitl currently seems unlikely, with both the player and the team expressing a desire to continue their association, the evolving dynamics within the Oilers' management and the potential for playoff disappointment could play pivotal roles in determining Draisaitl's fate.
Source - Hockey Patrol:
Boston Bruins rumored to be heavily pursuing Draisaitl
POLL | ||
MARS 29 | 160 ANSWERS Boston Bruins rumoured to be eyeing acquisition of Leon Draisaitl Will Leon Draisaitl sign with the Boston Bruins next year? | ||
yes | 54 | 33.8 % |
no | 106 | 66.3 % |
LIST OF POLLS |
G | A | PTS | ||
Taylor Hall | 3 | - | 3 | |
Brayden Point | 3 | - | 3 | |
Brock Nelson | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
Bryan Rust | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
Pavel Zacha | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
Quinn Hughes | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
Carter Verhaeghe | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
Erik Karlsson | - | 3 | 3 | |
Elias Lindholm | - | 3 | 3 | |
David Pastrnak | - | 3 | 3 | |
Tim Stutzle | - | 3 | 3 | |
Adam Gaudette | 2 | - | 2 | |
Dylan Holloway | 2 | - | 2 | |
Brad Marchand | 2 | - | 2 | |
Aleksander Barkov | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Sam Bennett | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Sean Couturier | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Alex DeBrincat | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Jack Drury | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Cutter Gauthier | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Complete stats |
STANDINGS 2024-2025 | ||||||
TOP 10 | GP | W | L | OL | PTS | |
Jets | 23 | 18 | 5 | - | 36 | |
Hurricanes | 22 | 16 | 5 | 1 | 33 | |
Wild | 22 | 14 | 4 | 4 | 32 | |
Devils | 25 | 15 | 8 | 2 | 32 | |
Capitals | 22 | 15 | 6 | 1 | 31 | |
Golden Knights | 23 | 14 | 6 | 3 | 31 | |
Maple Leafs | 22 | 13 | 7 | 2 | 28 | |
Flames | 23 | 12 | 7 | 4 | 28 | |
Panthers | 23 | 13 | 9 | 1 | 27 | |
Kings | 23 | 12 | 8 | 3 | 27 | |
Conference | Cumulative |