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

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.

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.

The Edmonton Oilers will be without Connor McDavid for their next three games after the NHL suspended the superstar forward following an illegal cross-check to the head of Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland on Saturday.

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.

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.

The Edmonton Oilers dropped their first game ... the Oilers increased their lead to 3-0 thanks to goals from Leon Draisaitl and Adam Henrique; they were the 35th and seventh goals of the season ...

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.

As the Oilers add at the deadline, it would be a big mistake for the team to overlook Corey Perry's contributions.

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.