Introduction
Leon Draisaitl is a German-born professional ice hockey player who currently plays as a center for the Edmonton Oilers in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was born on October 27, 1995, in Cologne, Germany, and was drafted by the Oilers in the first round, third overall, of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
Early Life and Career
Draisaitl grew up in Germany and began playing ice hockey at a young age. He played for various youth teams before moving to North America to play for the Prince Albert Raiders in the Western Hockey League (WHL) in 2012.
During his time with the Raiders, Draisaitl quickly established himself as a rising star in the league. He was named the WHL’s rookie of the year in 2013 and was later named the league’s player of the year in 2014.
NHL Career
In 2014, Draisaitl was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers and began his NHL career during the 2014-15 season. He played in 37 games during his rookie season, scoring just two goals and nine assists.
However, Draisaitl’s career quickly took off during the 2016-17 season, when he was paired with superstar forward Connor McDavid on the Oilers’ top line. Draisaitl finished the season with 77 points (29 goals, 48 assists) and helped lead the Oilers to the playoffs for the first time in over a decade.
Awards and Achievements
Draisaitl has had a number of impressive accomplishments during his NHL career. In addition to helping lead the Oilers to the playoffs in 2017, he was also named to the NHL All-Star Game that same year.
In 2019-20, Draisaitl had a breakout season and was awarded the Hart Trophy as the NHL’s Most Valuable Player. He also won the Art Ross Trophy as the league’s leading scorer, finishing the season with 110 points (43 goals, 67 assists).
Personal Life
Off the ice, Draisaitl is known for his passion for soccer and is a fan of the German national team. He also enjoys spending time with his family and friends and is known for his friendly and outgoing personality.
In his free time, Draisaitl is also involved in various charitable organizations, including the Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation.
Conclusion
Leon Draisaitl is one of the NHL’s most promising young stars and continues to impress both on and off the ice. With his talent, hard work, and dedication, there’s no doubt that he will continue to make a name for himself in the league for years to come.
