All Edmonton Oilers fans know the German star, Leon Draisaitl. He has been one of the best goal scorers in the NHL and stands as one of the best forwards across the entire league, holding multiple achievements throughout his career. Including; The Ted Lindsay Award, Hart Memorial Trophy, Maurice 'Rocket' Richard Trophy, and Art Ross Trophy.
In just a few short days he will add Olympian to his impressive resume as NHL players make their long awaited return to the Winter Olympics for the first time since 2014. He is set to make his Olympics debut at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, officially continuing the Draisaitl family tradition.
For many that are unaware, Leon's father Peter Draisaitl was a hockey player and a fairly good one at that.
Peter Draisaitl began the Olympic tradition
Born in the former Czechoslovakia, Peter Draisaitl had a long professional hockey career spanning three decades from 1983 to 2001. He represented West Germany and Germany at various international tournaments while playing in the top tier German hockey league and the DEL for many years.
On top of his seven world championship appearances for Germany, Draisaitl also represented his nation at three Olympic games in 1988, 1992, and 1998. Although he never won a medal with Germany, his appearances left a legacy that his son is now able to carry.
On top of his long career as a player, the older Draisaitl has spent the time since his retirement in 2001 to continue to impact the game. He has been a head coach and sports manager at various levels from the DEL and second-tier German league, as well as in Czechia and Slovakia.
Leon Draisaitl set to continue family legacy
As Germany is set to begin their Olympic journey with the help of many NHL players such as; Leon Draisaitl, Tim Stutzle, Moritz Seider, Josh Samanski, and others. There seems to be a new level of expectations for Draisaitl and his German teammates.
Given the recent uptick of highly drafted German players over the past decade or so, we are in the midst of a renaissance of sorts for German hockey. This new level of hockey is likely in large part due to the efforts of Peter Draisaitl and his generation. However, with a new peak, this is something that surely amplifies the pressure that is felt by the entire organization.
This is especially true for Draisaitl who was recently named captain for his home country ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics. He also was named as a flagbearer for Germany during the opening ceremony to kick off the event.
Although Germany may not have gold medal expectations, they still have some high end talent and could play spoiler at the 2026 Olympics.