As has been the case for the previous 11 years, Monday means a new Mailbag, where I take your questions and send them out to the staff for their thoughts on whatever is on your mind. This week, we’re talking about Leon Draisaitl’s extension, predicting what McDavid’s will look like, defense pairings, and much more.
1) Gregg asks – What were everyone’s thoughts on the Leon Draisaitl extension? Do you think $14 million per season is fair value?
Jason Gregor:
It is was right in the range of what I expected him to sign for. If he continues to play at a high pace, which I presume he will, then the value will be fine. We have to look at more than just points when determining value. I think the fact he committed long term in Edmonton has value for the organization well beyond point totals.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
It’s absolutely fair value. If he would have gotten to the open market next summer, there would have been a bidding war and he probably could have gotten $15-16m. I commend the Oilers for getting this done before the season and love that Draisaitl wanted to be an Oiler for life.
Baggedmilk:
The prediction I wrote on the whiteboard at Nation HQ was eight years by $13.75 million, so it was right in the range I expected. Personally, I think it’s well deserved and would much rather have Leon around for the next nine years than not. Easy decision imo.
2) Yves asks – What is the most surprising way that Leon Draisatil’s game has changed or shifted in his first 10 seasons with the Oilers?
Jason Gregor:
Becoming an elite goal scorer. He wasn’t expected to be a “finisher” but he’s become one of the best goal scorers in the game.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
The way he developed as a top-tier goal scorer is the biggest surprise. Always felt like he would be a pass first, strong defensive centre like an Anze Kopitar type. The way he added the electric offensive side of his game surprised me.
Baggedmilk:
After his rookie season, I was hoping that he would become a 60-point player if we were lucky. Never did I ever expect him to become the warlord he is today, and I think it’s fantastic. I love the guy.
3) Oilers fan in Van – Way too early predictions on what Connor McDavid’s extension would look like?
Jason Gregor:
Eight years at $16m AAV.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
I don’t think it’ll be as high as people think. I’ll go with eight years with an AAV of $16m. It would give him the most expensive contract in NHL history and wouldn’t handcuff the Oilers all that much.
Baggedmilk:
Eight years by $17 million. It’s going to be expensive, but he’s worth every penny.
4) Harold asks – If you were to bet, who do you think is best suited to play beside Darnell Nurse — Ty Emberson or Troy Stecher?
Jason Gregor:
To start I’d say Stecher. He has played over 5000 minutes vs. Elite and middle forwards. Emberson has played 375 minutes v. those two groups. I’d start with Stecher and let Emberson get comfortable in a third pair with fewer difficult minutes early on in his tenure.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
I’ll say Stecher just because the two of them spent a bit of time together last season and the results were encouraging. I also like the idea of an all shutdown duo of Brett Kulak with Ty Emberson.
Baggedmilk:
It’s a great question, but one that I don’t have the answer to because I’ve never really seen Emberson play. That said, if you believe in the fancies then Emberson is the exact player type that should be beside Darnell Nurse. That said, I don’t even know if I’m comfortable with either of these guys playing in the top four yet.
5) Randeep asks – Oilers tickets went up again this year to the point where I had to give up the half-season tickets that I’ve shared for years. Are the Oilers trying to make this as unaffordable as possible?
Jason Gregor:
I feel your pain. The playoff increase was obscene. Cup Final the tickets were 6x what I paid in regular season. To gouge your season-tickets holders that much doesn’t scream loyalty. Sadly there are enough people who will pay it and the added revenue from the playoffs, and increased season seats prices this coming season is why you will see many non-sellouts this year and the Oilers won’t be concerned, because the increases will cover up the missing tickets. It is the ugly side of supply and demand.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
They’re trying to make as much money as possible. The tickets going up means that the beers and merchandise are probably going up again too. I wish they’d add a value menu like so many other stadiums in North America have. Also, why not offer a “family pack” of tickets for select games during the season? Sure they might lose a bit of money, but the good PR would be worth something. They won’t do any of this though.
Baggedmilk:
It’s wild, man. At some point, Oilers games are going to look like what you see in Toronto and Vancouver and that’s sad. Pricing most people out of being able to go is going to erase the atmosphere in the building.
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