Confirmed with Link: [EDM] Oilers extend Leon Draisaitl (8 Years, $14M AAV, NMC)

[Mr McV]

16 more points and Leon will pass Corey Perry on the active all-time scoring list.

Hopefully it takes more than 16 points. I don't want Perry to stop getting points.

 

[Faelko]

For those older than me, was this phenomenon the same with Messier et al in the 80's, or was there enough general maturity among fans and media at that point to recognize that the other superstars were also good entirely on their own?

Not really, nope. We used to hear all the time that Messier would be nothing without Gretzky, now that was mostly early on in their careers but some of the mouth breathers would try and bring it up later on as well.

 

[Fourier]

I wonder if when all is said and done, Draisaitl will surpass Messier as the 3rd best Oiler of all time. Might need a few dominant playoff runs/Cups and maybe another Hart or Conn Smythe trophy etc, but it's completely doable for a player of this caliber and he looks like he wants EVERYTHING this year.

Messier had the reputation as the legendary leader to go along with his hockey accomplishments. Fully deserved or not this and the 5 cups he won with the Oilers will probably prevent Draisaitl from ever being widely recognized as the better Oiler. But on a skill basis I think he has a legitimate chance. Of course in terms of pure skill you have to throw Coffey into the mix.

 

[Fourier]

For those older than me, was this phenomenon the same with Messier et al in the 80's, or was there enough general maturity among fans and media at that point to recognize that the other superstars were also good entirely on their own?

I think it was the opposite to be honest. Messier's reputation was augmented by being on the same team as Gretzky. Of course he did become a great player on his own but if he played anywhere close to Gretzky's level he would get the nod. Look no further than the 1984 Conn Smythe.

Now the one guy who probably did get this treatment was Kurri.

 

[Drivesaitl]

For those older than me, was this phenomenon the same with Messier et al in the 80's, or was there enough general maturity among fans and media at that point to recognize that the other superstars were also good entirely on their own?

Eastern media: Gretzky is a smallish trick pony that won't survive in the NHL "he won't last a season".

Toronto has ALWAYS been the same. Vancouver decided they hated Mess so much still, that they hated his tenure there and blamed him for bad weather.

People weren't saying the Mess-Gretzky feeds off thing because Mess was usually 2nd line with Anderson. Gretz settled in with Kurri, the thirds changed through the years.

Was there enough maturity? No, back then it seemed like every 2nd fan acted like Jim Matheson and critical AF. Sather several times had to get the media and fans to back off star players ranging from Mess, to Fuhr, Coffey etc. The fanbase was insufferably entitled. Any playoff exit back then people wanted an investigation and the very moment the cups stopped the fans, many of STH just pulled the plug and vanished. So that it was so easy to get tickets from even 90-on. Even in the 89-90 season many of the "diehards" lol checked out and weren't even going anymore. They'd just assumed the cup parade was over and 90 playoffs were f***ing fantastic, as were 91 and 92. I kept going throughout the 90's many games there weren't 13K people actually there. Jason Arnott would be booed insufferably despite him being very good and the best Oiler on the ice, and a rookie at that. Back then the biggest aggravation, before internet, was the next row wherever you sat saying Paul Coffey needs to get his head out of his ass, Sather should be fired, or Fuhr should be sent to the minors. Going to games you almost had to wear earphones to cut out some of the bigger inanity.