The boys of winter return - NHL is back

He'll be a free agent as the salary cap goes up, and if the Coilers don't win a cup this year or next - especially after he's taken a 2 year contract at probably about 6 million a year less than he could have got elsewhere (maybe more if the size of the Kaprizov deal is any indicator) - he can go somewhere else in 2027 for a huge deal. It also means there can't possibly be any tarnishing of his time in Edmonton (only a sour prick would begrudge him going somewhere else already at this point, but he genuinely loves the town, the franchise and the fans - similar situation to Crosby with the Pens) and gives Edmonton a it of room to bring some pieces in if they think it'll help get them over the line. 

FWIW, I think they win it this year. The Panthers are beat up (Tkachuk is a loss, but not as much as Barkov) and there are indications that teams are willing to bring up the goons this year to deal with their shithousery - the league sure aren't doing anything about it - so there's every chance they end up with some more integral pieces getting run at (Ekblad, and Bennett in particular need a good battering). I don't see any other team in the West having the tools needed to deal with Edmonton in the playoffs, and if anything, the East is weaker this year. I'd like to see the win it - it's a hockey town, and McJesus absolutely deserves a cup. 

Exiled_Addick said:

Yeah, Leroy nails it. He's effectively taken a pay freeze for two years and, in doinfg so, left money on the table that the Oilers management can hopefully use bring in the final pieces of the jig saw. Hoepfully a top-quality goalie!

He's signed a team friendly deal because he really only want one thing - to win a cup - and he'd love to do in Edmonton. Without some wizard trades, Edmonton's window starting to close as, McDavid and Draisaitl aside, some of their key players are getting on the old side now so giving them two more years is very fair on McDavid's part. 

I wouldn't rule out him signing again at the end of this deal, but the Oilers will need to have won at least one cup by then and look capable of winning more. If he thinks the Oilers are on a downward trajectory by then then he'll either go wherever he thinks his best chance of winning is, or take a huge pay day, likely somewhere with low tax rates and better weather.

I think it's a smart decision on his part and balances his career with his legacy and reputation in Edmonton. Also speaks to what drives him, and it's not the money - not that he's going to be left hard up by this deal, of course.

I hope Leroy is right, but I think Florida still start the season as favourites and there are threats in the west. Going all the way to the Stanley Cup final 3 years running is a huge ask, but they've shown they can pace themselves over the last 2 years and McDavid and Draisaitl will be even more motivated than ever. I do agree, though, Barkov missing potentially the entire season, including playoffs, is huge and might be the bit of good fortune needed to tip the scales in Edmonton's favour.

Exiled_Addick said:

Bennett winds me up in particular. His whole "oops I fell on the goalie again" schtick is infuriating.