- Mark Spector of Sportsnet: Sportsnet has learned that Leon Draisaitl will be returned to the WHL on Saturday, if not earlier. His rights currently belong to Prince Albert, but could end up in Kelowna. The Oilers would like to see him join a team for a playoff race. Prince Albert is thought to have a deal in place that involves Kris Schmidli, who is currently playing for team Swiss at the WJC. They may not able to announce the deal until Switzerland is eliminated. If Draisaitl is on the Oilers roster on Sunday, it would be their 40 game and would account as an “accrued season” towards his free agency. After seven seasons a player can become a UFA.
- Gord Miller: Leon Draisaitl’s rights haven’t been traded to Kelowna just yet. Discussions are ongoing.
- Corey Pronman: “Draisaitl missing the WJCs isn’t end of the world, it’s 5-7 games, but it is a significantly higher QoC than the CHL. But 2 issues. 1. Doesn’t speak well of your player evaluation. Maybe you did want to have the C depth in case, but not much has changed in 2 weeks. 2. NHL people I’ve talked to say this stuff can hurt the player-team relationship a little. Player doubts if you know what’s best for him.”
- Ray Ferraro: “IMO, this is why you should rarely keep 18yr old players / this isn’t hindsight, I thought it was silly in October, worse now #plan?”
- Bryan Hayes: “The Oilers really are beautiful. They don’t send Draisatl to the WJC, but then send him back to Junior DURING THE TOURNAMENT! Take a bow…”
- Mark Spector: Draisaitl has already been to two World Junior Championships, so missing a third is not an issue.
- David Staples: “No doubt Katz & #Oilers mgmt hurt & angered by commentators/reporters openly blasting them. But commentators about half as mad as fans.”