The summer of arbitration continues in the NHL, as Philipp Kurashev was awarded $2.5 million AAV in a recent decision. While this is good news for Kurashev, it might be bad news for Oilers fans.
Precedent is Set
The Oilers are set to go to arbitration on August 4th with Ryan McLeod. The recent Kurashev ruling has NHL insiders convinced that McLeod will garner a similar result.
"The team that's hurting the most from this is the Edmonton Oilers trying to get Ryan Mcleod done, because I think they were trying to wedge him in just south of two million bucks or just south of two million bucks, and now that number is sadly like 2.5." - Frank Seravalli
With the decision being over the 2 million dollar mark, the Oilers will have to prepare for the worst with regards to a cap crunch after their hearing. Prior to the decision, it was rumoured that the Oilers were hoping to get McLeod for under $2 million.
A decision of $2.5 million would handcuff the Oilers in what they can offer other players such as Evan Bouchard. Fate is still in the Oilers' hands, though, as there is still time for the two parties to settle prior to the hearing.
As Read on Oilers Nation - "Seravalli: Edmonton Oilers and Ryan McLeod aren't close on contract talks"
