Elliotte Friedman reports that money was one significant factor (perhaps the biggest) in the Colorado Avalanche’s decision to trade Mikko Rantanen.

That Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers is an elite player in NHL history is far from an understatement. The current star of the Oilers is making history with his achievements.

The Edmonton Oilers beat the Vancouver Canucks 6-2 on Thursday night. Another chippy game between the Canadian rivals featured 13 penalties, including a game misconduct, and Corey Perry was right in the middle of it.

Draisaitl is expected to be a core piece for the Oilers for the foreseeable future. He signed an eight-year, $112 million contract ($14 million average annual value) starting next season and is currently in the final season of an eight-year, $68 million contract ($8.5 million AAV) signed prior to the 2017-2018 season.

Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl scored his 29th goal in the first five minute of a game in a 3-2 loss to the Washington Capitals.

It was hard-nosed blueliner Darnell Nurse who picked up the primary assist. His contribution was being ready to take a Draisaitl pass, and blast a solid attempt on net but have it stopped by Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper. Instead, it was Draisaitl who did all the work to make this four-on-four goal happen.

There's plenty of evidence that proves the Oilers coaches have pulled the right strings to get the most from the defence.

The Colorado Avalanche traded star forward Mikko Rantanen in a three team blockbuster deal tonight, that apparently had some influence from Oilers star Leon Draisaitl.

Zach Hyman had two goals and an assist, Leon Draisaitl had a goal and two assists and the Edmonton Oilers beat the Vancouver Canucks 6-2.

Nathan MacKinnon leads the league in scoring. Draisaitl only trails him by a single point. There is plenty of season left to be played, but as long as the Oilers have Draisaitl, they'll be fine. Draisaitl will be able to hold down the fort until the captain returns.

The entire post-game interview lasted a brisk 1:16. Draisaitl may have given a more "pissy" response in the past. This was notably calm and collected despite his obvious disappointment in the game's end results. This is a statement of Draisaitl's growth and maturity. He doesn't get too high when they win, and he doesn't get too low when they lose.

Following four games at home, the Seattle Kraken are set to play its final road game of January Monday night. Prior to a matchup Saturday afternoon with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Kraken have won two of its last three home games.