Oilers face losing one of their star players in the offseason

His Hart Trophy win in 2020, awarded to the league's MVP, underscores just how valuable he is. Players of his caliber rarely hit the open market, and when they do, the competition to sign them is fierce, often resulting in a very lucrative contract for the player.

Leon Draisaitl entering the season without an extension, similar to William Nylander's situation in Toronto, could indeed become a pivotal storyline for the Oilers and the league. If Draisaitl remains unsigned by July 1st and begins the season without a new contract, his performance could significantly influence his market value, just as Nylander's did.

Nylander's negotiation with the Toronto Maple Leafs and his performance during his contract year notably increased his leverage, resulting in a higher Average Annual Value (AAV) than initially anticipated. For Draisaitl, playing without an extension could have a similar effect, especially considering his already elite status in the league.

The Edmonton Oilers are facing a challenge with regards to their player contracts. They cannot afford to allow Leon Draisaitl's contract to become too expensive, as they are already preparing for Connor McDavid's upcoming contract negotiation. Although the salary cap is expected to increase, the Oilers still need to be cautious and manage their finances wisely to ensure that they can secure two of the best players in the NHL.