Oilers' Superstar Trio's Secret End-Of-Season Meeting Revealed

The Edmonton Oilers are coming off their best season since they lost the Stanley Cup Final in 2006, but that's not going to please those working for the franchise nor fans alike, as the team failed to win the championship.

Even though the current core is strong enough and should be considered a bonafide contender for the upcoming season, the truth is that the Oilers window might be closing sooner rather than later.

In a report from the 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast shared on August 26, the hosts revealed that Oiler's superstars Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard held a meeting with their teammates at the end of last season.

"Now 10 days after the season ended Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid & Evan Bouchard had a conversation with the other players on the #LetsGoOilers on taking less $ to try & win as many @StanleyCup over the next 9 seasons," the X account posted on the social network .

"RNH, Kane, Hyman, Henrique, Janmark, Brown all took less $ & if anyone on July 1st signs taking less money would be great for the team going forward as many of the core players would be sticking around long term. That was a big conversation among the players who had the opportunity to sign long term," it added.

The meeting took place shortly after the Oilers' elimination from the Stanley Cup Final, where the team discussed the importance of salary flexibility to achieve their ultimate goal.

According to the report, Draisaitl, McDavid and Bouchard emphasized that taking less money would allow the team to retain its key players while also giving the organization the financial flexibility to add necessary pieces in the future.

"With Nurse at $9.25M AAV & if Leon, Connor & Evan all sign for what the market can give them (Leon $14.5M, Connor $16M & Evan $12M) the #Oilers would have roughly $54M tied into 4 players & from what we understand the players would rather see that number be around $49M," the account reported.

Draisaitl is the player in need of a deal first, as he is entering the final year of his current eight-year, $68 million contract.

The German center will become an unrestricted free agent in July 2025, and according to the same report, he has reportedly informed the Oilers that he will not negotiate a new deal during the season.

Related: Oilers Reportedly Eyeing Veteran Defenseman To Replace 2 Lost Players