Edmonton Oilers fans have unleashed a wave of anger against NHL insider Pierre LeBrun after he suggested that superstar Leon Draisaitl might eventually request a trade from the team. LeBrun, who works for TSN, RDS, and The Athletic, made the comments on the X platform, sparking what many describe as one of the most vitriolic responses from Oilers supporters in recent memory.
LeBrun's Speculation
In his post, LeBrun wrote: "It's interesting that our only focus seems to be on what 97 will decide to do, whether that's this summer or next or whenever. And it's obviously because he only has a 2-year deal. But I mean, nothing is stopping Leon Draisaitl from asking out one day if that's what he wanted. Not saying he will nor do I have any feeling he will. But just because he signed an 8-year deal doesn't mean he will necessarily play it out all in Edmonton."
LeBrun admitted his speculation was based on no solid information, yet it still ignited a firestorm among fans already disappointed by the team's season outcome.
Fan Outrage
Oilers podcaster Kevin McCurdy was among the first to respond, calling it "outright fear-mongering." He added: "Fans and players are already disappointed by the outcome of this season, let's worry about 26-27 before we start obsessing over the long-shot 'it's possibles' for at least 2 years out from now. The team has the power both upstairs and on-ice to make this entire conversation even more irrelevant than it already is."
Other fans echoed similar sentiments. Bleed Oil Blue sarcastically remarked: "Now let's start with Draisaitl too … every off season. Perfect Pierre." The One for One Podcast questioned the purpose of the tweet: "What is the point of this tweet? Player calls out a team for a disappointing season and you're immediately chanting 'doomsday'? God sometimes the national media in this sport absolutely blows."
User OilDoug9729293 directed his frustration at Eastern media: "Pierre, why do you and all the Eastern media assume McDavid or Draisaitl want to go anywhere? McDavid said he wants to win and wants to win in Edmonton. He said it again today. So did Draisaitl. Why is that never enough for any of you in the East? Are you that bored?"
SephF compared the coverage to other teams: "It's funny how every year the media goes into a frenzy about players bailing from Edmonton. Never match that energy with other teams though. Where are all the hot takes about Pastrnak leaving Boston?"
Reagan Podelec defended the players: "Why is it that Eastern media and fans jump to conclusions that McDavid and Draisaitl are bailing after one not so successful season? Organization made some poor decisions. You get good and bad. You learn from those and you improve next year. The 23-24 Oilers should have been left alone. This is what happens when you tweak and retool."
Jimothy McGill mocked the speculation: "I love how social media is just 'pile on the Oilers' lately. Not even being discreet about it. Pierre why stop there? What's stopping Ryan Smyth from converting to the Flames? Maybe Katz will relocate the team? Another tornado for downtown Edmonton?"
User homit_37 bluntly stated: "Toronto and their media can get bent." McBilly summed up the sentiment: "CLICK CLICK CLICK CLICK. Click bait bullsh*t from Pierre Lebrun! You've lost your fastball so you resort to garbage like this. Real insightful stuff Pierre."
The backlash highlights the intense passion of Oilers fans and their frustration with what they perceive as unfair media narratives surrounding their team's stars.
