Stan Bowman commits: He predicts his best player will remain an Oiler 'for life'
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Edmonton Oilers' GM Stan Bowman sets sights on securing Draisaitl's future with the team.
Stan Bowman, the new General Manager of the Edmonton Oilers, has made a significant declaration about his intentions for Leon Draisaitl, the team's star player.
Entering the final year of his $68 million contract, Draisaitl has been a cornerstone of the Oilers' success alongside Connor McDavid.
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With ambitions running high, Bowman's strategy is clear: he wants Draisaitl to remain an Oiler indefinitely.
NHL insider Derek Van diest reports on Bowman's vision
During a recent conversation with the NHL Network, Derek Van Diest shared insights from his discussion with Bowman:
" Well, he (GM Bowman) basically said that he wants Leon Draisaitl to be an Oiler for life, and that, that's his goal coming in here. That's his goal for his negotiations. He wants Leon Draisaitl to stay a member of the Edmonton Oilers. "
This statement came amidst ongoing negotiations with Draisaitl's agent, Mike Liut, aimed at securing an extension beyond the 2024-2025 season.
The importance of keeping Draisaitl, as emphasized by Bowman, is pivotal to maintaining the team's competitive edge.
" We had a great conversation and he said to me, �Listen, if we want to keep this window open, this championship window open for Edmonton, those two guys have to be a part of it. Those two guys have to be pillars of it. "
Bowman's remarks at the 2024 Gretzky Hlinka Cup
Amidst the backdrop of the prestigious 2024 Gretzky Hlinka Cup held at Rogers Place Arena, Bowman reiterated the critical role Draisaitl plays within the team:
" Leon is a super-talented player, a huge part of what we're doing, and he has been and will be for some time and that hasn't changed at all," Bowman said. "I think it's really hard to find stars in the NHL, so when you have them, the goal is to keep them."
Despite the lack of updates on the exact timing of Draisaitl's contract extension, Bowman remains optimistic. His recent statements underscore a continued positive outlook on the negotiations:
" I don't have an update of where it's (signing Leon Draisaitl) going to be or the timing on that, but there is nothing negative to report, certainly. "
With the Oilers recovering from a recent setback in their Stanley Cup ambitions, locking down Draisaitl could be crucial for their prospects in the 2024-2025 season.
Bowman's clear focus on securing Draisaitl's long-term commitment to the team could well determine their future success, signaling a robust strategy to keep their championship aspirations alive.
Source: Sportskeeda NHL
Analyst opines GM Stan Bowman aims for Leon Draisaitl to remain "an Oiler for life»
Analyst opines GM Stan Bowman aims for Leon Draisaitl to remain "an Oiler for life»
| POLL | ||
11 AOUT | 27 ANSWERS Stan Bowman commits: He predicts his best player will remain an Oiler 'for life' Do you think Stan Bowman is delusional? | ||
| Yes | 20 | 74.1 % |
| No | 7 | 25.9 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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