Time to sign Draisaitl

The best player in the NHL is sitting unsigned.

German NHL player Leon Draisaitl is unquestionably better than Connor McDavid.

He's a free agent.

If the Canucks were smart...

Are they?

They should give the Edmonton Oilers a courtesy call and warn them, we're going to Max Cap Leon Draisaitl - want to work out a deal ?

Or do you want to take the crappy picks?

IF the Canucks are all in on trying to be competitive this year, and they are, thus the signing of garbage free agents instead of playing the kids, then you might as well dip into the free agent pool.

There's no downside to this.

The Canucks can't draft anyways so what are they going to do with 4 first round picks in the 7-14 position?

Nothing.

They're not going to get the 1st Overall draft pick - 50 years of being in the NHL tells anyone that they're not destined to get a 1st Overall pick.

If the Oilers match - hey, they're screwed.

If the Oilers pick up the phone call - then you can start wheeling and dealing.

Once you let the Oilers know you don't care about the 4 1st Round picks - then they know they're not going to get a lot back in the trade.

Ben Hutton, Jake Virtanen and a 1st Round pick in 2019.

Take it or leave it.

Yes, Oilers are likely stupid enough to match the offer.

That's perfect. Beautiful.

And if they retaliate by signing Bo Horvat?

Perfect! Take the 1st Round picks.

Lovely.

And they've guaranteed they'll improve the lottery pick in next year's draft.

And by signing Draisaitl - you've ruined McDavid - the Oiler's lovely little $13 million man.

There's no downside to signing Draisaitl here.

He's young, talented, a Number 1 centre, the whole nine yards.

If they get him - they get the best player in the NHL bar none. A playoff performer.
And McDavid is not.

It's Draisaitl you want, not McDavid.

And he's from BC for goodness sakes or at least played his junior here.

It's the right move.