The Edmonton Oilers came within one goal of winning the 2024 Stanley Cup Final and advancing to overtime in Game 7. If they lose forward Leon Draisaitl, one of their two superstars, they might not be quite as close as they are now.

For background, Draisaitl signed an eight-year, $68 million contract with the Oilers in August of 2017. He is currently in his final season of the deal.

Jiri Poner, the agent of Leon Draisaitl, has suggested that Edmonton either sign the superstar to a contract or risk losing him for nothing as there are fewer than 12 months until he becomes a free agent.

“There’s no rush yet, but either it happens quickly, i.e. by the end of August, or it doesn’t work out at all,” Poner told German outlet Eis Hockey News on July 1, via Lyle Richardson of The Hockey News. “It will also become clear whether Edmonton wants him or not. Leon holds all the trump cards.”

Draisaitl became eligible to sign a contract extension on July 1, 2024, but there’s been no news related to that happening or being in the works.

The Oilers are coming off completing a trade following the first few days of free agency, sending Ryan McLeod and prospect Tyler Tullio to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for prospect Matthew Savoie. The transaction opened $2.1 million of cap space in Edmonton’s books, giving the franchise some room to work on their pending extensions.

Among them are Evan Bouchard, another superstar, and Draisaitl. Nevertheless, it’s reasonable to presume that, in the wake of former general manager Ken Holland’s departure, the Oilers will attempt to bring in a new general manager before giving any players new, high-paying contracts.