Confirmed with Link: Draisaitl re-signs 8y 8.5M AAV

[GMofOilers]

Eberle scored 76 points and 34 goals in his 2nd season with Edmonton. (WITHOUT a generational talent, mind)
he got poaid and chased out of town.

I love Draissaitl....where in your world you think I don't give him credit here is beyond me.

*I'm not questioning the player, but the situation.*

Well I think Eberle was a great player for us when the league was calling obstruction. Now that they dont anymore hes just a little to small. Right now the way they are calling games its a big player game. We just seen the difference in the 2 talents in the playoffs this year.

Drai has size.

 

[booyakasha]

Context means something here. Eberle shot at an absolutely unsustainable level that year, regression was quite obvious. Eberle also relative to league scoring was lower than Draisaitl. Eberle also offered absolutely nothing in terms of versatility, 2-way play or physicality, Draisaitl does in spades. Eberle also did that in a season with very little pressure on a team that was out of the playoff race by Christmas.

I fail to see the parallels in your comparison, even when looking at situation. There's a lot to like in the way that Draisaitl plays the game that will prevent your whipping boy scenario. Outside of some WJC heroics, there was very little going for Eberle to prevent that.

as did Drai during the playoffs, so that is out of the equation as well, no?

 

[McFlyingV]

as did Drai during the playoffs, so that is out of the equation as well, no?

Normalize his shooting % and he's still a PPG player in the playoffs.

 

[booyakasha]

Normalize his shooting % and he's still a PPG player in the playoffs.

granted.
still does not quell MY fear that he will be run out of town though.

 

[MessierII]

as did Drai during the playoffs, so that is out of the equation as well, no?

Playoffs >>>>>> everything

Stats mean jack in the playoffs. You either win or you lose, produce or don't nothing you did in the season has any meaning or historical significance.

 

[NeverForget06]

granted.
still does not quell MY fear that he will be run out of town though.

I would look at two different highlights that have nothing to do with scoring to ease part of your fear. The first is when he flattens Thachuk after the dirty **** tries to blindside him and the other is when he drills Brandon Manning when the Oilers played Philly.

Both of those plays are things done by Nuge and Ebs exactly 0 times cumulatively throughout the entirety of their careers here. Players that play with a physical edge and seem like they actually care do not get run out of town in the same way as Nuge and Ebs did.

 

[Fourier]

It's annoying when people whine about Draisaitl being unproven or question his ability to carry a line right after these playoffs.

He started off with the flu, got his own line much of the time, and put up 16 points in 13 games--you know, to lead the team.

He was better than McDavid (who I bet had a broken rib or two).

Draisaitl earned this deal. He's worth it.

Even in some world where he's overpaid by 500k, it's ridiculous to keep moaning about it when 500k takes up so little bloody room on the cap.

Let's take a closer look at his playoff success away from McDavid.

He had 4 of his 16 playoff points in games playing away from McDavid (7 points while McDavid was not on the ice as per post 705. Changed in Edit!) Three of those points happened in one game, his 5 point game vs Anaheim. In two of the three games he centered his own line in the Anaheim series Leon was a negative in +/- and the Oilers lost both of those games. This si not to blame Leon for the losses in anyway but just to lay context to how deep his contributions centering his own line might be to the success of the team.

Here are his stats at ES with and without McDavid.

TOI with McDavid 111:36
TOI without McDavid 81:51

GF% with McDavid 66.67%
GF% without McDavid 37.5%

CF% with McDavid 52.38%
CF% without McDavid 41.58%

SF% with McDavid 47.29%
SF% without McDavid 40%

SCF% with McDavid 48.9%
SCF% without McDavid 43.3%

HDSC% with McDavid 49.06%
HDSC% without McDavid 40.54%

Again, none of this takes away from the fact that Leon had a great playoff and more specifically the series with Anaheim. But I don't really buy this narrative that he was better than McDavid and that he proved this away from Connor. McDavid drew insane amounts of attention. This made life much easier for Leon. And to his credit he took great advantage of the extra space. But most of his success still happened while McDavid was on the ice and the degree to which Connor's presence influenced Leon's is significant. Ultimately the team won more when they were together and both players had greater individual success.

 

[KeithIsActuallyBad]

If you cant see the difference in talent between Drai and Pisani then I guess thats where we will continue to disagree.

That comparision is like gold to silver.

Of course, but if we use this one playoff as a benchmark...

Draisatl > McDavid = Letestu > Everyone else

 

[Deplorable Lenny]

Eberle scored 76 points and 34 goals in his 2nd season with Edmonton. (WITHOUT a generational talent, mind)
he got poaid and chased out of town.

I love Draissaitl....where in your world you think I don't give him credit here is beyond me.

*I'm not questioning the player, but the situation.*

The difference is Eberle used to actually drive hard to the net to make plays. Now he just dipsy doodles until someone takes the puck away or shoots it in the goalies bread basket from 30 feet away.

Then people wonder why his shooting percentage goes down.

Teams with good defensman who check really tight don't have to worry about Eberle. Thats why his stats against decent teams was so low. There Dman knew how to handle Eberle to a T.

I guess any player can get complacent after signing a massive contract but I see 2 completely different personalities between Drai and Eberle. Drai seems to want it more and has way better size and strength to get through other teams defensive systems.

 

[Aceboogie]

The difference is Eberle used to actually drive hard to the net to make plays. Now he just dipsy doodles until someone takes the puck away or shoots it in the goalies bread basket from 30 feet away.

Then people wonder why his shooting percentage goes down.

Teams with good defensman who check really tight don't have to worry about Eberle. Thats why his stats against decent teams was so low. There Dman knew how to handle Eberle to a T.

I guess any player can get complacent after signing a massive contract but I see 2 completely different personalities between Drai and Eberle. Drai seems to want it more and has way better size and strength to get through other teams defensive systems.

Eberles average shot distance was closer this past year then it was in 2011/12

 

[FlameChampion]

The one thing that gives me hope with Draitsaitl is that we have seen improvements every year hes been in the league. I think hes more driven to be a more complete and better player.

Say what you want with Hall, RNH and Eberle but they havent made vast improvements in their game since entering the league. Eberle is pretty much the same player. Hall I think has gotten stronger but overall pretty much the same. RNH's game has changed, hes probably more versatile but hes certainly less dynamic. Revolving coaches probably plays some part in this, so its not completely on the players. The development definitely stagnated in my opinion.

 

[Aceboogie]

The one thing that gives me hope with Draitsaitl is that we have seen improvements every year hes been in the league. I think hes more driven to be a more complete and better player.

Say what you want with Hall, RNH and Eberle but they havent made vast improvements in their game since entering the league. Eberle is pretty much the same player. Hall I think has gotten stronger but overall pretty much the same. RNH's game has changed, hes probably more versatile but hes certainly less dynamic. Revolving coaches probably plays some part in this, so its not completely on the players. The development definitely stagnated in my opinion.

Hall- Developed into a PPG winger and his defensive game really turned around. He saw improvements yearly

Eberle- 11/12 year really warped people perception of him. Hes a career 50 point player and kind of stagnated at that. Yes he didnt develop yearly but getting a 50 point player at 22 is pretty good

RNH-agree, development got ruined. Too many different coaches all trying to turn him into too many different things. 1 year hes an offensive #1C, next year hes utilized in a defensive role and asked to play a conservative style. But the time TM came in, his confidence was shot and his game was some undefined mess. Id say he developed with each coach, but then when that coach left he was back at square 1

Although I agree with the just of your post. Draisaitl will have the same coach for the forseeable future. Each season hell go into hell have a clear idea of whats expected. In the short future he can really develop his defensive game and devleop into a center that can shut down other top lines

 

[Deplorable Lenny]

Eberles average shot distance was closer this past year then it was in 2011/12

Thats nice. It would be even better if you provided a chart or a link or something.

Either way though, the data I would be most interested in, would be his shooting range against teams in the west that we are going to have to beat to take the next step. Teams that play the type of defence I was talking about. Like the Ducks, Sharks, Predators, Blues, Blackhawks, Wild and Kings. Teams that you have to work hard to get a decent scoring chance. Out of those teams he played 27 regular season games and 13 playoff games, so in 40 games he had just ONE goal. Where was he shooting from VS these teams?

I guess my entire point is he disappears VS said teams. As the Oilers will need to blow past 3 of those teams next year to make the finals, I am not satisfied that he can help get the job done based on his style of play. Draisaitl on the other hand seems to play better VS some of these teams. He has the size and the vision to still make plays when the checking is tight.

Eberle had no problem scoring against 3 teams. In 12 games vs the Avalanche, Flames and Canucks Eberle had 12 goals. That means VS rest of the league he had 8 goals in 70 games. Make that 8 goals in 83 games if you count the playoffs. I am definitely cherry picking stats here and thats because my point was that he was awful against good, well coached, hardworking and tight checking teams.

The Avalanche were the worst team in the league last year by a mile. Their defence was just horrendous.

Canucks were 2nd worse in the League and Eberle lit them up with 4 goals when the games meant practically nothing.

The Flames were pretty good after they stopped playing Jokipakka and Wideman and replaced them with Stone and Bartowski. Before that they were a train wreck defensively. Their gap control and positioning was almost Dallas Eakins bad. I think it also had to do with the new coach and system. Bob Hartleys system was completely different. The Oilers played all 4 games VS the Flames before they finally got their **** together then traded for some way better Dmen. I expect them to be better next year.

In comparison to Drai though, Draisaitl got 11 goals in 12 games VS just the Ducks. Thats only 1 less goal that Eberle got in 83 games VS all NHL teams except Calgary, Vancouver and Colorado.

Really I could go on and on as there is a ton of Data to support that he just didn't play well VS good teams. My personal opinion as I said earlier is that, he seemed to have lost his drive and intensity, which would hurt his shooting percentage. It wasn't just luck. If he continued to play the same way I would be very doubtful that it would improve much.

He is still very skilled but he doesn't put in the work to be successful IMO. Obstruction certainly plays a part but there are still a lot of skilled, small forwards that still find ways to contribute every night. Eberle was no longer one of them.

 

[Aceboogie]

Thats nice. It would be even better if you provided a chart or a link or something.

Either way though, the data I would be most interested in, would be his shooting range against teams in the west that we are going to have to beat to take the next step. Teams that play the type of defence I was talking about. Like the Ducks, Sharks, Predators, Blues, Blackhawks, Wild and Kings. Teams that you have to work hard to get a decent scoring chance. Out of those teams he played 27 regular season games and 13 playoff games, so in 40 games he had just ONE goal. Where was he shooting from VS these teams?

I guess my entire point is he disappears VS said teams. As the Oilers will need to blow past 3 of those teams next year to make the finals, I am not satisfied that he can help get the job done based on his style of play. Draisaitl on the other hand seems to play better VS some of these teams. He has the size and the vision to still make plays when the checking is tight.

Eberle had no problem scoring against 3 teams. In 12 games vs the Avalanche, Flames and Canucks Eberle had 12 goals. That means VS rest of the league he had 8 goals in 70 games. Make that 8 goals in 83 games if you count the playoffs. I am definitely cherry picking stats here and thats because my point was that he was awful against good, well coached, hardworking and tight checking teams.

The Avalanche were the worst team in the league last year by a mile. Their defence was just horrendous.

Canucks were 2nd worse in the League and Eberle lit them up with 4 goals when the games meant practically nothing.

The Flames were pretty good after they stopped playing Jokipakka and Wideman and replaced them with Stone and Bartowski. Before that they were a train wreck defensively. Their gap control and positioning was almost Dallas Eakins bad. I think it also had to do with the new coach and system. Bob Hartleys system was completely different. The Oilers played all 4 games VS the Flames before they finally got their **** together then traded for some way better Dmen. I expect them to be better next year.

In comparison to Drai though, Draisaitl got 11 goals in 12 games VS just the Ducks. Thats only 1 less goal that Eberle got in 83 games VS all NHL teams except Calgary, Vancouver and Colorado.

Really I could go on and on as there is a ton of Data to support that he just didn't play well VS good teams. My personal opinion as I said earlier is that, he seemed to have lost his drive and intensity, which would hurt his shooting percentage. It wasn't just luck. If he continued to play the same way I would be very doubtful that it would improve much.

He is still very skilled but he doesn't put in the work to be successful IMO. Obstruction certainly plays a part but there are still a lot of skilled, small forwards that still find ways to contribute every night. Eberle was no longer one of them.

I mispoke, his shot difference got closer in the 3 years following 2011, then got further for 16/17

I will not find data to refute or confirm your other theories but I will say this:

1) We play 82 games in a year, 41 vs the east and roughly a further 20 vs weaker west teams. We still need to win those games. Eberle scoring in those games is equally as important as doing it vs Ducks etc. A record of 16-0 vs Ducks/Sharks/Hawks means nothing if you go 39-43 for the whole season. Although I wont disagree Eberle did not show well in Playoffs when he needed to. Just disgaree with the rational games vs specific teams are momunmentily more important than others. Eberle contributed with routine 20-25 goals a year

2) People in this thread are way overvaluing Draisaitls playoff series vs the Ducks and just setting themselves up for disappointment. He rocked like a 20% shooting % and 109 PDO (like, record high). How often have people seen these amazing playoff performances, followed up with let down the year after (Sam Bennett, Leino, Bickell etc). Oil fans set themselves up for failure with Eberle back in 2011/12 when they came to justify his 34 goals and extremely high shooting % and expected him to do it into the future (meanwhile most stat guys were saying not a chance). Love playoff Draisaitl, but dont expect this to repeat in the regular season

3) On the flip side of this: People seem to forget his season in 15/16 when he was a 1c for more than half the year. This performance should be weighted way more heavilty then a short 7 game playoff sample.

Your post comes off a bit to much of trying to kick Eberle once more as he goes out the door to rationalize that trade more. While also giving Draisaitl way to much praise. Draisaitl is great and 8.5 mil is justified. But lets not act like theres no risk in this deal and hes a guaranteed future elite center. Hes still got risk atatched, as Eberle did in 2011

 

[Dazed and Confused]

I see people wanting to put Strome or RNH on McDavid's wing to boost their production, but I think this contract makes that near impossible.

Letting Drai centre his own line will only hurt the team in justifying the cost of both Drai and McDavid, while needlessly raise the cost of the supporting cast. McDavid-Draisaitl have shown they can be the most productive duo in the NHL, that is what got them paid. If you separate them, you're just going to hurt the production of both. With Draisaitl, McDavid is a clear MVP candidate; without Drai he's likely going to fall back into the crowd of other the elite scorers. Drai on the other hand is a near PPG player with McDavid, but I'm not sold he's anything more than a 55 to 65 point centre, especially if he's having to share icetime with McDavid and RNH.


Personally I'd try to isolate McDavid, Draisiatl, and Lucic, as all three are locked up for the next half decade plus. Let them be the most productive line in the league for the next half decade. For those worried about becoming a one line team, there should enough high end offensive talent with the rest of the team in RNH, Strome, Puljujarvi, and Yamamoto to pick up the slack for secondary scoring at a reasonable price.

 

[Weitz]

I see people wanting to put Strome or RNH on McDavid's wing to boost their production, but I think this contract makes that near impossible.

Letting Drai centre his own line will only hurt the team in justifying the cost of both Drai and McDavid, while needlessly raise the cost of the supporting cast. McDavid-Draisaitl have shown they can be the most productive duo in the NHL, that is what got them paid. If you separate them, you're just going to hurt the production of both. With Draisaitl, McDavid is a clear MVP candidate; without Drai he's likely going to fall back into the crowd of other the elite scorers. Drai on the other hand is a near PPG player with McDavid, but I'm not sold he's anything more than a 55 to 65 point centre, especially if he's having to share icetime with McDavid and RNH.


Personally I'd try to isolate McDavid, Draisiatl, and Lucic, as all three are locked up for the next half decade plus. Let them be the most productive line in the league for the next half decade. For those worried about becoming a one line team, there should enough high end offensive talent with the rest of the team in RNH, Strome, Puljujarvi, and Yamamoto to pick up the slack for secondary scoring at a reasonable price.

If Draisaitl can't generate his own offence his contract is bad.

You need more than one line. You can't be paying $21 million for 2 players and have them play together. Your team is going to be terrible.

 

[Aceboogie]

If Draisaitl can't generate his own offence his contract is bad.

You need more than one line. You can't be paying $21 million for 2 players and have them play together. Your team is going to be terrible.

Draisaitl + McDavid together is the best duo in the league hands down. Would you rather have your top 6 scoring 150 goals (Line 1: 90, Line 2: 60), or 130 goals (Line 1: 60 goals, Line 2: 70). I couldnt agree more with the post above, you dont put Draisaitl on a new line *only* for the reason as to justify the contract. If the top 6 is better off with LD+McDavid dominating and LD getting 80 points and McDavid 120 then you do that. The team will succeed to the degree McDavid does, hes the straw that stirs this drink. If Draisaitl is the key that gets McDavid to his FULL potential, then hard to argue to mess that up. Plus our team already has done well with a beast 1st line and average 2nd one

Now if its a bigger need to have him on the 2nd line than do that. But the contract should have zero bearing

 

[bucks_oil]

I see people wanting to put Strome or RNH on McDavid's wing to boost their production, but I think this contract makes that near impossible.

Letting Drai centre his own line will only hurt the team in justifying the cost of both Drai and McDavid, while needlessly raise the cost of the supporting cast. McDavid-Draisaitl have shown they can be the most productive duo in the NHL, that is what got them paid. If you separate them, you're just going to hurt the production of both. With Draisaitl, McDavid is a clear MVP candidate; without Drai he's likely going to fall back into the crowd of other the elite scorers. Drai on the other hand is a near PPG player with McDavid, but I'm not sold he's anything more than a 55 to 65 point centre, especially if he's having to share icetime with McDavid and RNH.


Personally I'd try to isolate McDavid, Draisiatl, and Lucic, as all three are locked up for the next half decade plus. Let them be the most productive line in the league for the next half decade. For those worried about becoming a one line team, there should enough high end offensive talent with the rest of the team in RNH, Strome, Puljujarvi, and Yamamoto to pick up the slack for secondary scoring at a reasonable price.

There is certainly some gamesmanship in how to maximize player value. If it were me, I might still argue for RNH on McD's wing only so that we can prop/reestablish his value in case he is to become a cap casualty as many expect.

That said... you raise a good point about our signed players can help each other, help the team, without it causing downstream problems...

Nevertheless though... there is a reason why the coach makes the lineup and not the GM. Neither Chia nor McLellan strike me as the type to outstep their boundaries on this topic.

 

[Weitz]

Draisaitl + McDavid together is the best duo in the league hands down. Would you rather have your top 6 scoring 150 goals (Line 1: 90, Line 2: 60), or 130 goals (Line 1: 60 goals, Line 2: 70). I couldnt agree more with the post above, you dont put Draisaitl on a new line *only* for the reason as to justify the contract. If the top 6 is better off with LD+McDavid dominating and LD getting 80 points and McDavid 120 then you do that.

Now if its a bigger need to have him on the 2nd line than do that. But the contract should have zero bearing

Except your second line won't be scoring 60 goals. They scored 39 last year and it will only get worse when McDavids contract kicks in.

You need another offence driver on that second line to turn all the plugs/ELC's this team will have to use into useful players. You only have to look at Pitt to see how it needs to go. If you are in need of goal and not getting any offence going then you slide Drai up with McDavid. But you shouldn't be playing them together constantly.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

If Draisaitl can't generate his own offence his contract is bad.

That is the problem, I don't think either can generate enough offence alone to justify their contracts. But we only exacerbate the problem if we start giving Strome, Puljuarvi, Maroon, Caggiula, and/or Slepyshev big contracts because of inflated production.

You need more than one line. You can't be paying $21 million for 2 players and have them play together. Your team is going to be terrible.

Really the only team that's managed to have 2 big scorers on separate lines successfully is Pittsburgh. Most other examples of "spreading the wealth" normally involves a sharp decline in production for one of them: the Kane and Toews split in Chi, Getzlaf and Perry in Anaheim. Plus the team will also only be worse if you end up pricing yourself out your secondary scoring vs. capping their potential production.

The worst thing that could happen this year (from a long term POV) is Drai getting 60 points the second line centre, and Strome getting 65 on McDavid's wing. You're going to lose Strome due to his contract demands, and you're going to be dogged by questions about Draisaitl's production. We're seeing this very issue now with RNH: he's getting less offensive opportunity and people are jumping at his lack of production.

 

[LaGu]

Zetterberg and Datsyuk, it took time though. The first couple of times they were spilt it was with mixed (i.e. bad) results.

Still no one thought they were less players because of it, and in the end they managed to carry different lines.

 

[Weitz]

That is the problem, I don't think either can generate enough offence alone to justify their contracts. But we only exacerbate the problem if we start giving Strome, Puljuarvi, Maroon, Caggiula, and/or Slepyshev big contracts because of inflated production.



Really the only team that's managed to have 2 big scorers on separate lines successfully is Pittsburgh. Most other examples of "spreading the wealth" normally involves a sharp decline in production for one of them: the Kane and Toews split in Chi, Getzlaf and Perry in Anaheim. Plus the team will also only be worse if you end up pricing yourself out your secondary scoring vs. capping their potential production.

The worst thing that could happen this year (from a long term POV) is Drai getting 60 points the second line centre, and Strome getting 65 on McDavid's wing. You're going to lose Strome due to his contract demands, and you're going to be dogged by questions about Draisaitl's production. We're seeing this very issue now with RNH: he's getting less offensive opportunity and people are jumping at his lack of production.

You are likely losing Strome anyway. And any other player that needs a raise every year after that. Maybe Strome stays if RNH gets traded. But mostly the years following anyone who needs a bump in pay will be let go unless they take a low contract.

Just wait till the D contracts are up and the cap hasn't gone up $3 million a year..

 

[Deplorable Lenny]

I mispoke, his shot difference got closer in the 3 years following 2011, then got further for 16/17

Thank you for posting the graph. I had a strong feeling he was more of a perimeter player this last season but could only find data after 2015-2016.

1) We play 82 games in a year, 41 vs the east and roughly a further 20 vs weaker west teams. We still need to win those games. Eberle scoring in those games is equally as important as doing it vs Ducks etc. A record of 16-0 vs Ducks/Sharks/Hawks means nothing if you go 39-43 for the whole season. Although I wont disagree Eberle did not show well in Playoffs when he needed to. Just disgaree with the rational games vs specific teams are momunmentily more important than others. Eberle contributed with routine 20-25 goals a year

I disagree completely. Going forward those games VS the California teams and now maybe the Flames are going to be 4 point games. The games VS Vegas, Arizona and Vancouver likely won't be. The games are harder to win and you need everyone contributing. Scoring 4 goals in a season en route to beating the Ducks 4 times is WAY more valuable than scoring 4 goals in a season and beating the Canucks 4 times.

Do you think that Edmonton would have lost a bunch of those games last year if Eberle didn't dress?
IMO we still would have won most of them and easily made the playoffs.

Either way, I was just trying to paint a picture of how he scores VS playoff teams. Teams that we will actually have to beat to get to the Finals. I have no doubt the Oilers are a playoff team next season and it would be nice to know your $6M winger won't disappear. My stats proved that he is significantly more productive VS bottom feeders than he is VS good NHL teams. I would guess most players can say the same but the difference between 12 goals in 12 games and 8 goals in 83 games is massive. More than 10 * as much.

2) People in this thread are way overvaluing Draisaitls playoff series vs the Ducks and just setting themselves up for disappointment. He rocked like a 20% shooting % and 109 PDO (like, record high). How often have people seen these amazing playoff performances, followed up with let down the year after (Sam Bennett, Leino, Bickell etc). Oil fans set themselves up for failure with Eberle back in 2011/12 when they came to justify his 34 goals and extremely high shooting % and expected him to do it into the future (meanwhile most stat guys were saying not a chance). Love playoff Draisaitl, but dont expect this to repeat in the regular season

Yes his shooting percentage is unsustainable. However he did a real good job of taking high quality shots and getting into the dirty areas to make plays. Something that has to be done in the playoffs. When he fills out a bit more, he will be very hard to manage up close. So I don't think it will come down too much. Even when it does, he is a fantastic playmaker. He will hopefully still find ways to be productive.

I hear you when you say that other people have had great playoff performances and then came back down to Earth. However the comparables you used aren't really comparables IMO. Leino had a great playoffs but was coming off an 11 point season. He was an undrafted 25 year old that caught lightning in a bottle. Bickell, was 26 years old and coming off a 23 point season. Sam Bennett is the worst comparable as he only got 4 points in 2 rounds that year. So did RNH this year and nobody is gushing over his playoffs. Besides Bennett, Drai is way younger than the other 2 were. He also had WAY better regular season, and JR stats. He has already smashed their career highs 2 times each. He has proved he can score at any level he has played. The other guys, have not.

3) On the flip side of this: People seem to forget his season in 15/16 when he was a 1c for more than half the year. This performance should be weighted way more heavilty then a short 7 game playoff sample.

Agreed completely. His 23 points in 20 games when he was first called up from the AHL with Hall showed he can by a dynamic player. He fell off a cliff later on that season as his conditioning was questionable. I don't think anyone is questioning it now after the Qualifying games, World Cup, Pre-season, regular season and playoffs last year. He actually seemed to be getting better all year.

I am not concerned that he always had Hall or McDavid on his line like others are. Worst case scenario, play him with good players and he will produce.

Your post comes off a bit to much of trying to kick Eberle once more as he goes out the door to rationalize that trade more. While also giving Draisaitl way to much praise. Draisaitl is great and 8.5 mil is justified. But lets not act like theres no risk in this deal and hes a guaranteed future elite center. Hes still got risk atatched, as Eberle did in 2011

Certainly not my intention. I was just trying to use stats to back up my claim. I will admit they were selective statistics as I was trying to be selective because that was my point. I was even surprised with just how bad it made him look, and honestly I could have went on and on if I wanted to.

As far as Drai is concerned. I obviously don't think he will score almost a goal per game VS the ducks going forward. A point per game would be nice.

There certainly is a ton of risk in his deal. Like every other long term 1 way deal there is a lot of risk. I guess my point was that Drai is less risky than Eberles turned out to be.

I guess we will see.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Zetterberg and Datsyuk, it took time though. The first couple of times they were spilt it was with mixed (i.e. bad) results.

Still no one thought they were less players because of it, and in the end they managed to carry different lines.

Though you could argue Detroit was a less successful team after splitting them up. If I'm not mistaken they split after their cup win. Adding Hossa saved them for a season (and got them back to the finals), but thereafter the Wings offence never looked quiet as dangerous, nor did Zetterburg or Dats. Of course other factors where at play there, namely losing Rafalski and Lidstrom starting to slow down and actually look human.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

You are likely losing Strome anyway. And any other player that needs a raise every year after that. Maybe Strome stays if RNH gets traded. But mostly the years following anyone who needs a bump in pay will be let go unless they take a low contract.

Just wait till the D contracts are up and the cap hasn't gone up $3 million a year..

Likely, but at least you save the headache around Drai's production.


Also thank god for the players escalator for that not to be a problem.