NHL Rumors: Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid Extension Top Things for New GM Stan Bowman

Sportsnet: Edmonton Oilers new GM Stan Bowman on his vision for the Oilers and that extending Leon Draisailt and Connor McDavid are priorities.

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Reporter: “I wanted to ask you, you come to the situation facing this group. They put in a lot of hard work in the offseason, you have a set roster, but I want to ask you what your thoughts are on the future of this team.

And obviously, the biggest thing surrounding this team is the signing of Leon Draisaitl, the signing of Connor McDavid in two years. How do you see this team developing? What is your vision for this team in the future?”

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Bowman: “Sure. Yes, great question.

To start with Leon, I mean, Leon is a great player and he is very important to me. I mean, I want, I want Leon to be an Oiler for life.

And you know, he's an amazing player. I went, I enjoyed watching him play. And I think what, what makes him and Connor so different from anyone else, is that in the game there are stars, but they are the rare type that can elevate their game in the playoffs which is difficult to do. I mean, games get tough. Attention to them goes up and you look at their performance and they are the best.

So yes, I think that is a priority. It is clear that they are a big part of what we do but it takes a team to win. So I think that, as we look to the future, you know, what we want to try to do, and there's a great supporting cast right now. I mean, there it is, this is a great program that Jeff has put together. So, you know, there's a lot to be excited about.

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And in the coming years, there are always challenges with the salary cap as well, but once you have it, the hardest thing to do in the game is to find great players. That's all. That is the hardest thing to do. So we have them and they are a big part of this community, this team, and they will continue to move forward.”