Oilers Risk Losing More Than Just Playoffs

Edmonton Oilers entire future hangs in the balance for Game 6 on Saturday night.

Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports - Oilers Risk Losing More Than Just Playoffs

EDMONTON -- The Edmonton Oilers have entered a must-win elimination game on Saturday night.

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After dropping last night's contest 3-2 to the Vancouver Canucks - there is more that hangs in the balance than just their playoff hopes.

It's their hopes for playoffs beyond this year, and the future of one (or both) of their superstars - Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid.

This was supposed to be the year that they went all the way - that they won it all. Right now it looks like a six-player team, because most of the depth scoring has dried up. Any pairing that has Cody Ceci leaks high danger chances and goals against. Stuart Skinner had a fantastic bounce-back during the regular season, only to continue his tradition of poor play in the playoffs.

The Oilers have been the team of the comeback - they brought themselves out of the depths. This was the 31st ranked team at the time that Kris Knoblauch replaced Jay Woodcroft - and now they are one of the last eight teams remaining in the playoffs. That has to count for something.

If the Oilers lose on Saturday night - is that the nail in the coffin for Draisaitl? Does he decline a contract extension and seek to play elsewhere? There's only so much of "always the bridesmaid, never the bride" that one hockey player will stand for.

At the end of the day, everyone wants to win.

Has the organization shown McDavid and Draisaitl that they are serious about winning? How deep do the Oilers need to go during this post season to keep their superstars?

If the Oilers can win on Saturday night and pull off a miraculous seven game series win against the Canucks - that can probably stave off speculation for next season.

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But if the ride is over on Saturday night - will Draisaitl sign an extension or request a trade to a different organization before the beginning of the last year on his contract?

Unfortunately for Oilers' fans - they will need to wait and see.

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