The Edmonton Oilers’ second-best player this season, as he has been for the previous few, is Leon Draisaitl. In the second version of this series, we will look at Drai’s play up to this point. Aside from the Oilers themselves, there is a strong argument he is the second-best player in the NHL, and this season has further proven why he is one of the world’s best. Below, are his grades with a small tidbit of detail on his season.
Scoring: A+
Playmaking: A+
Defensive Game: A
Special Teams: A++
Overall Grade: A+
With 29 goals and 47 assists for 76 points through 48 games, Drasaitl sits second in the NHL in points. His defensive game has always been his only downfall, but this season it has taken a step up. He has improved as a two-way forward that plays sound defensively adding to his argument of being the second-best in the world.
Just like McDavid, there is no worry in my mind Draisaitl can continue his hot play from the first half of the season and carry it into the second half, and well into the playoffs. I wouldn’t be surprised if Drai finishes the season with 50 goals and over 115 points.
His consistency is going to be one of the main factors for the Oilers’ run to a Stanley Cup this season. He is a world-class athlete that day in and day out proves why he belongs in the conversation for MVP, if not for his teammate.
Draisaitl currently sits 17 goals away from 300 in his career and 8 points away from 700 in his career. He is just passed the 400 mark for assists, with 409, and is just over the 600 game mark with 606.
With a career-high of 110 points, this could be the season we finally see Draisaitl break his own record best. This is the best hockey he’s played in a long time, and it’ll be fun to see it continue.