When Leon Draisaitl agreed his contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers back at the beginning of September, it turned out to be a costly affair. In fact it was historically costly, with the eight-year, $112 million deal becoming the most expensive in NHL history both in terms of total and annual value.
Draisaitl doesn't actually start playing under his new deal until next season, but he's getting a head start on proving he's worth the money. He's been playing like a man possessed since puck drop on opening night, and is actually improving as the 2024-25 campaign progresses.
In this respect, as per a press release from NHL.com, the 2019-2020 Hart Trophy winner has gotten 2025 off to a positive start, after being named the NHL's Second Star of the Month for December. Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon was named the First Star, while New Jersey Devils goalie Jacob Markstrom was awarded the Third Star.
A magnificent month
December proved to be a stellar month for Draisaitl, as he scored 10 goals and added 14 assists to total 24 points in just 13 games. He undoubtedly played a pivotal role in helping the Oilers go 9-3-1 and move their way up the Western Conference standings.
The five-time NHL All-Star reinforced his reputation as a clutch performer, as he tied for first in the month with three game-winning goals, and entered 2025 on a 12-game points streak. He also became the fourth-fastest active player to reach 900 points, achieving it in 751 games. (Connor McDavid did it in 602 games, Sidney Crosby in 677, and Nikita Kucherov in 743.)
This is truly developing into a special season for Draisaitl, who as of Thursday morning leads the NHL with 27 goals, four ahead of his nearest competitors. He is also second in the NHL with 56 total points, five behind MacKinnon.
If the 2019-20 Art Ross Trophy winner continues at his current pace, he stands to set new single season career bests in goals and +/- rating, which stands at +20 at the time of writing. He is projected to score 60 goals, which would surpass his current high of 55, while a projected +44 rating would easily beat his current best of +29.
Of course, no matter what Draisaitl achieves on an individual level, his main concern is helping McDavid and the rest of his teammates win the Oilers' first Stanley Cup since 1989-90. And if he keeps playing at a similar level for the remainder of this season and into the playoffs, then there's every chance of this ambition becoming a reality.