As has been the case for the last 11 years, Monday means that I’ve got a fresh Mailbag where I take your questions and send them off to the crew for their take on whatever is on your mind. This week, we’re discussing PTO additions, Evan Bouchard’s contract, feeling nervous about Leon Draisaitl, and much more. If you’ve got a question you’d like to ask, email it to me at baggedmilk@oilersnation.com or hit me up on Twitter at @jsbmbaggedmilk, and I’ll get to you as quickly as possible.
Nov 30, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Tyson Barrie (22) skates against the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
1) Mitch asks – We’ve heard that the Oilers are interested in adding names on PTOs, but I’m wondering if you think the names discussed (Barrie, Schultz, Shattenkirk) even make sense?
Jason Gregor:
Not for me. They have RD. Travis Dermott and Mark Giordano would be more likely options as LD.
Baggedmilk:
I personally think they need to add depth to the left side, which is why the Barrie/Schultz/Shattenkirk rumours never made sense to me. I get it from a depth angle, but I think there’s a greater need on the LHD side.
May 16, 2024; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard (2) handles the puck in warm up prior to game five of the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
2) Blake asks – Did the Oilers make a mistake by not giving Evan Bouchard a longer-term contract last summer, given how expensive he’s likely to be after this coming season?
Jason Gregor:
Hindsight always makes things look different or easier than they did at the actual time. Maybe they offered one and he wanted more. Would he have signed for $7.5m for instance? Possibly, but it would be pure speculation on my part, so I can’t say for sure. Of course you want players on the best deal possible, but that isn’t realistic. Some will be value contracts and some won’t live up to their deals.
Baggedmilk:
I would have loved to see the Oilers give him the Klefbom deal last summer, but it wasn’t in the cards, so now Bouchard will likely have multiple Brinks trucking backing up to his house at some point next summer. Way she goes.
Jun 21, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl (29) during the warmup period against the Florida Panthers in game six of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place.
3) Sean asks – Earlier in the off-season, Leon Draisaitl’s agent said they were hoping for a deal in mid-August, but we’ve now passed that deadline. Are you at all concerned that we haven’t heard much news despite it now being September by the time this question gets posted?
Jason Gregor:
It was his European agent who said that, but he isn’t the one negotiating this deal. Ideally you’d like it done before the season begins so that still gives them six weeks. The longer he goes without a contract then yes, the concern will increase within the Oilers he might not re-sign, and at some point they would need to ask directly if he plans to re-sign. But they aren’t there yet.
Baggedmilk:
I’m not nervous about it yet, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t starting to get there. I’ve been an Oilers fan my entire life and we’ve been hurt plenty of times before, so I’ll likely be feeling some form of nerves until Leon’s name is on the dotted line.
Jun 21, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) during the warmup period against the Florida Panthers in game six of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place.
4) Kevin asks – Connor McDavid hit the 60-goal mark two seasons ago. Last year, he hit 100 assists in a single season for the first time. What is your bold prediction for Connor McDavid’s 2024-25 campaign?
Jason Gregor:
McDavid becomes the third player in NHL history with 50+ goals and 100+ assists in the same season. Wayne Gretzky did it seven times and Mario Lemieux did it once. It hasn’t happened since 1989 when Lemieux and Gretzky both did it.
Baggedmilk:
Connor McDavid’s career high is 153 points in a season. This year, I’m betting he hits 160 with 50 goals and 110 assists.
Jun 15, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) celebrates goal with teammates in the second period against the Florida Panthers in game four of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
5) Oilers fan in Van asks – Unless there is another move coming between now and training camp, the Oilers’ roster looks pretty much set. What do you see as strengths and weaknesses for the Oilers heading into next season?
Jason Gregor:
Strength is experience and the forward group. Concern is 2nd and 3rd pair RD.
Baggedmilk:
The defence scares me, specifically the right side. The biggest strength is easily the depth at forward. This is the best forward group I’ve watched as an Oilers fan.
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