Happy holiday Monday, friends! As always, 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 talking about long weekend rankings, Leon Draisaitl’s next contract, Zach Hyman goal predictions, and a lot 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.
Jun 10, 2024; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (29) skates with the puck during the third period against the Florida Panthers in game two of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
1) Bryan asks – There has been lots of talk about Leon Draisaitl’s contract extension lately, so I’m looking for everyone’s official prediction on both money and term?
Jason Gregor:
Eight years at $13.4m.
Zach Laing:
Let’s get really specific: 8 years, $106.32-million. The deal will carry a $13.29-million AAV with a full no-move clause in the first six years, and a 16-team no-trade list in the final two years of the deal.
Baggedmilk:
Eight years at $13.75.
May 27, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman (18) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Dallas Stars in game three of the Western Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
2) Yves asks – Zach Hyman had a remarkable season in 2023-24, but I don’t think it’s fair to expect another 50-goal campaign out of him. What do you think is a fair goal mark for Hyman for this coming year?
Jason Gregor:
Assuming he plays the majority of games, I will say 43 goals.
Zach Laing:
As Zach Hyman has proven so far during his tenure in Edmonton, anything can happen. Nobody predicted him to have the goal-scoring success he’s had, averaging 39 goals per year. I think that’s a pretty good benchmark for him, give or take a few goals either way.
Baggedmilk:
I’m going to say he gets 38. Last year was incredible, but I also think it’s unfair to ZMH to expect 50-goal seasons out of him every year.
Jun 24, 2024; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch watches play during the second period against the Florida Panthers in game seven of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena.
3) Wesley asks – The Oilers put a lot of pressure on themselves last season with the Cup or bust talk, but don’t you think they’ll have even more this coming year, given that they went to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final?
Jason Gregor:
They will have high expectations as they should. I don’t see it being more. I think the pain of losing in Game 7 will be a good motivator for them to earn home ice advantage. I see it more as an opportunity than pressure.
Zach Laing:
I don’t think so. The expectation last year was to make it to the Finals, and win the cup, so that will remain the same heading into this year.
Baggedmilk:
I say that they’ll have the same amount of pressure but will know how to deal with it better.
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) Levi asks – Connor McDavid just got married and I’d like to know what marriage or relationship advice you have to offer to him and his new bride?
Jason Gregor:
Enjoy it, and don’t give in to the idiotic phrase “happy wife, happy life.” A man’s happiness is just as important as a woman’s. Be equal and communicate often.
Zach Laing:
Buy sheets that are one size too big for your bed.
Baggedmilk:
Make sure Lauren always has snacks. Snacks and socks. Both important.
5) Max asks – I’m sending this question in for the long weekend mailbag, but is the August long weekend the best long weekend? My question: Which long weekend is the greatest of them all and why?
Jason Gregor:
I like May long weekend the best. It signifies the start of summer for me. And it rarely is too hot so it is enjoyable outside.
Zach Laing:
Great question. I haven’t been able to truly enjoy a long weekend since before I got my first big boy job, but I always loved May long because it, to me, signifies the incoming summer.
Baggedmilk:
I love Canada Day long weekend. It’s always hot, the NHL news is flowing, and there always seem to be events going on around the city.
PRESENTED BY STAR MECHANICAL
Star Mechanical is one of Edmonton’s biggest locally owned and operated plumbing and heating businesses. They have been working within the community for over 20 years, and many of the homes built in Edmonton over the last two decades have had their plumbing and heating systems installed by Star Mechanical. Visit them at starmechanical.ca to schedule an appointment and let them help keep your home running smoothly.
