NHL Hall of Famer has stepped into one of the sport’s ongoing debates on how Edmonton Oilers standouts Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid are viewed. In a recent interview, he made it clear that he disagrees with the belief that Draisaitl is simply riding in McDavid’s shadow.
Oilers Debate Rekindled as Pavel Datsyuk Defends Leon Draisaitl’s Status
Datsyuk pointed to Draisaitl’s quick decision-making and complete game as reasons why he belongs in the conversation with the league’s best.
“I disagree that he’s in Connor McDavid’s shadow — his decision-making speed is excellent,” he said. Coming from a player of Datsyuk’s stature, the remarks add weight to a discussion that often divides fans.
For years, the Oilers have built the team around McDavid and Draisaitl, who consistently rank among the NHL’s top scorers. McDavid’s dominance has been well documented, but Datsyuk’s praise underscores how critical Draisaitl’s contributions have been to Edmonton’s success.
The connection between the two isn’t just on the ice. Back in 2019, Draisaitl revealed that Datsyuk had been his favorite player growing up, shaping the way he plays the game today.
With Edmonton coming off two straight losses in the Stanley Cup Final, the partnership between McDavid and Leon Draisaitl remains central to the team’s hopes of finally breaking through.
Connor McDavid’s Oilers Contract Talks Nearing Decision Point
Attention in Edmonton has also turned to McDavid’s future. According to the “2 Mutts Hockey” podcast, the Oilers are expected to finalize a new deal with their captain soon after Team Canada’s orientation camp, set for August 26 to 28 in Calgary.
We are hearing that the contract extension for Connor McDavid will most likely happen after the Team Canada Orientation Camp which is August 26th to the 28th in Calgary.
The plan is to announce the contract extension before the Captain Skates begin & Training Camp starts.
— 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast (@2MuttsHockeyPod) August 10, 2025
The plan, reportedly, is to make the announcement before the captain’s skates and training camp get underway in September.
Early indications point toward a shorter contract, possibly two or four years, with an average annual value somewhere between $16 million and $17.5 million. That would place McDavid at the top of the NHL’s salary chart when the deal kicks in for the 2026 to 2027 season.
The 28-year-old is entering the last year of the eight-year deal, a $100 million contract he signed in 2017. It has been eligible for an extension since July 1. However, he appears in no hurry to commit long-term. Reports suggest an eight-year agreement is unlikely, giving him flexibility for his future.
The Oilers’ front office knows a competitive roster will be key to keeping McDavid committed beyond this deal. With Draisaitl and defenseman Evan Bouchard already signed to major contracts, Edmonton could soon have over $40 million invested in just three players.
