In this edition of NHL Trade Talk Recap, we look at three quick recaps of today’s posts. There’s drama in Edmonton with McDavid/Draisaitl chatter. Mitch Marner is turning into a different beast in Vegas, and Charlie McAvoy getting tossed after a nasty slash.
Are McDavid and Draisaitl Heading for the Exit Drama?
The Oilers’ shock loss to the Ducks has everyone buzzing about Connor McDavid’s short-term deal — but Pierre LeBrun reminded folks that Leon Draisaitl, despite his long-term contract, isn’t completely locked in either. LeBrun wasn’t saying Draisaitl’s leaving for sure, just that an eight-year deal doesn’t magically stop a player from wanting out down the road.
Draisaitl still has seven years left on that $112M deal and a full no-movement clause, so any move would be his call — and right now he’s not going anywhere unless McDavid bolts. He still produced in the series (10 points in six games), so it’s not like the on-ice value is missing.
Bottom line: don’t expect a breakup this offseason, but the seed’s been planted. If the Oilers flop again next year, all bets are off, and both stars could start asking questions — which would be a huge headache for Edmonton.
Insider: No Guarantees Leon Draisaitl Plays Out Deal in Edmonton
Marner’s Glow-Up in Vegas — Different City, Different Player
Watching Mitch Marner in a Golden Knights jersey has been wild — it’s like someone flipped a switch. He’s the same slick playmaker, but now his passes actually get finished. He’s adding goals too, like that two-goal, one-assist blowout night. The fit in Vegas just clicks: better linemates, less heat, and a system that lets him play free.
Leaving Toronto seems to have stripped off the extra baggage. No constant “prove it in May” storyline breathing down his neck means he’s looser, quicker, and more willing to attack. Put that confidence next to real finishers and a playoff-ready roster, and you get the Marner we’ve been waiting to see. He’s a guy who creates and finishes when it matters.
The Version of Marner the Maple Leafs Never Got
Game 6 ended ugly. Benson’s slewfoot sent McAvoy hard into the boards, and McAvoy responded with a two-handed slash after the whistle that got him a five-minute major and booted him from the game. Benson wasn’t hurt, but the hit and the retaliation sparked a big scrum and a lot of heat on McAvoy.
Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff called it “raw emotion.” He said McAvoy probably went too far — and now the NHL Dept. of Player Safety might step in. McAvoy’s shrug about “I won’t play another game until September” won’t calm anyone down; if the league wants to hand out supplementary discipline, it could stick.
NHL to Look at Charlie McAvoy’s Slash on Benson?
More Stories:
Canadian Teams Daily Rumours: Canucks, Maple Leafs & Canadiens
McDavid Played With a Fracture, the Oilers’ Exit Hits Differently
Game 6 Tough Pill, But Not Close to the Ending
Oilers Reveal Full Extent of Connor McDavid’s Playoff Injury
Ryan Johnson Should Be the Canucks’ Next GM
Oilers to Reevaluate Goaltending This Summer, Says GM
Oilers Pitched to Take a Run at Sergei Bobrovsky This Offseason
NHL Weekend Rumors: Could Tkachuk or McDavid Be in Play?
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