Insider drops bombshell trade rumor involving Leon Draisaitl.

A National Hockey League insider may have just created a firestorm just a few short hours before the Stanley Cup Final which is set to take place later tonight.

On Sunday, NHL insider Chris Johnston made comments about the future of Edmonton Oilers star forward Leon Draisaitl, comments that suggest that Draisaitl could be playing for a different team as soon as the 2024-25 NHL regular season.

Johnston was doing his usual podcast when he was asked by his co-host, Julian McKenzie, to name 'one major player' that he would 'not be shocked' to see traded over the summer. Without any prompting or prodding, the first name that came to Johnston's mind was that of the Oilers star forward.

"I guess I would have to say Leon Draisaitl," said Johnston after taking a moment to consider the options. "That's not a prediction it's just that I think... there's a decision there. I don't know how it's gonna play out."

Johnston's comments about Draisaitl's future appear to stem from the fact that the insider is entirely uncertain about how Draisaitl's potential contract negotiations will go with the Oilers.

"I'm just saying it's not impossible," said Johnston. "But until we find out what direction he and the team wanna go down, in terms of an extension, the fact that it is even a 10% possibility is all I'm saying. It's hard to put a percentage on it, but it's not impossible that he's traded."

Johnston believes that, should those negotiations not go favorably for the Oilers, that Draisaitl could very well end up being traded over the summer.

"I just think the Oilers are wary, potentially, about going into a year if he doesn't wanna sign this summer," said Johnston.

It is nothing short of insane to think that the Oilers could trade arguably their second best player after such a deep run in the Stanley Cup playoffs, and it would be even crazier if it were to happen following an Oilers Stanley Cup championship victory. Johnston believes it could all come down to this summer's contract talks.

"They don't know and I don't know if he wants to sign this summer, so we'll have to see," said Johnston in conclusion.