<div align='center' style='padding-top:20px;padding-bottom:20px;'><img src='https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/i/photo/394141.webp' width='100%' border='0' alt='image' loading='lazy' defer /></div> The Edmonton Oilers have long centered their team around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, making it hard to envision the squad without either star. Despite a season turnaround, suggesting both players might wish to stay, contract negotiations with Draisaitl appear less straightforward. TSN's Darren Dreger hints that discussions regarding Draisaitl's next contract might face delays, diverging from Oilers fans' hopes. Dreger specifically believes Draisaitl won't immediately sign when he becomes eligible for an extension on July 1st, anticipating a potentially prolonged negotiation process. Listen to the interview here: <iiffrraammee width=560 height=315 src=https://embed.jasperplayer.com?brand=TSN&destination=tsn_web&language=EN&contentId=2890035 frameborder=0 allow=autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture allowfullscreen></iiffrraammee> <q>«I think this could be fascinating to see how it plays out and drags on» - Darren Dreger</q> <h3>Draisaitl could sign contract extension as soon as July 1</h3> Draisaitl's importance to the Oilers is undeniable. At 28, he has contributed significantly this season <a href='https://www.nhl.com/oilers/player/leon-draisaitl-8477934' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>scoring 90 points across 67 games, including 35 goals and 55 assists</a>. This performance underscores the urgency of securing his re-signing by July 1st, as his value could escalate further in the final year of his current contract, complicating negotiations. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/DaveAMcCarthy/status/1770978282227294404?s=20'> </a></blockquote></div> The situation presents a considerable concern for the Oilers, with the potential to impact the team's dynamics and future success. <div class='youtube_container'><iframe class='youtube_video' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Wa7dQTs2s54?si=gXNCuW9_9Dl7n_rw' width='100%' loading='lazy' frameborder='0' title='' allow='autoplay; fullscreen' allowfullscreen></iframe></div> Source: Blade of Steel <a href='https://www.bladeofsteel.com/nhl/news/insider-believes-draisaitl-oilers-negotiations-will-hit-a-snag' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Insider believes Draisaitl, Oilers negotiations will hit a snag</a>