The Edmonton Oilers entered the 2026 playoffs expecting another deep Stanley Cup run, but their shocking six-game first-round loss to the younger Anaheim Ducks has dramatically increased pressure across the organization after back-to-back Finals appearances in 2024 and 2025.
Now, concerns are starting to grow not only about captain Connor McDavid, but also about the long-term future of Leon Draisaitl.
Leon Draisaitl’s Oilers Future Suddenly Becoming a Talking Point
Much of the attention in Edmonton lately has centered around McDavid, whose two-year, $25 million extension kicks in next season. With extension eligibility approaching again soon after, speculation about his future has already started to swirl.
At the same time, Draisaitl just completed the first season of his massive eight-year, $112 million contract extension. Many assumed it locked him in as the long-term face of the franchise alongside McDavid. But last week, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun suggested people may be overlooking the possibility that Draisaitl could eventually grow frustrated as well, comments that sparked major backlash from Oilers fans online.
LeBrun has now clarified his stance while speaking on the “Oilers Now” podcast, explaining that he was not reporting that Draisaitl wants out of Edmonton. Instead, he argued that it makes little sense for discussions about the Oilers’ future to focus solely on McDavid.
“He’s not the only superstar on the team,” LeBrun explained. “Contracts travel.”
LeBrun emphasized he has no inside information suggesting Draisaitl is unhappy or planning to leave, but he added, “I’m saying you can’t discount the possibility whenever that is over the next eight years.”
For Draisaitl, the 2025-26 season was another dominant campaign, interrupted by injury and playoff disappointment. Before getting hurt in March against the Nashville Predators, he was once again on pace for well over 100 points.
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After missing the final 17 regular-season games and traveling to Germany to see a specialist, Draisaitl returned for Round 1 against the Ducks and led Edmonton with ten points in six games. He also tied Wayne Gretzky for the most playoff power-play goals in Oilers history with 23.
After the elimination, Draisaitl didn’t hide his frustration. He openly admitted he was “concerned” and felt the Oilers had “taken a step back” this season.
While Leon Draisaitl remains under contract long-term, his comments, combined with the growing pressure surrounding Edmonton, have only added another layer of uncertainty to what is shaping up to be a massive offseason for the Oilers.