The Athletic: How Edmonton Oilers player Leon Draisaitl is having his best season ever

In the fast-paced, ever-changing world of professional sports, it is rare to witness a player peak to the extent that Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers has in the 2024-2025 NHL season. The 28-year-old German center has long been recognized as one of the league’s top players, but this year, he has taken his game to another level, leaving fans and pundits alike in awe of his consistent brilliance. Draisaitl is having his best season ever, and the numbers back up the claim.

While much of the attention in Edmonton has often been focused on captain Connor McDavid—widely considered the best player in the world—Draisaitl has proven once again that he can carry a team on his own. As McDavid continues to cement his legacy as a generational talent, Draisaitl’s 2024-2025 campaign has elevated him into the conversation about who the true top players in the NHL are. From scoring at an unbelievable pace to showcasing his growth in all areas of the game, Draisaitl is rewriting the narrative about his potential.

In this article, we will break down why this is Draisaitl’s best season to date, looking at his statistical achievements, his increased role in key areas of the game, and his evolution as a leader and two-way player. We will also explore how his contributions have impacted the Oilers’ overall success and their chances in the playoffs, as the team aims to finally break through and win a Stanley Cup with Draisaitl and McDavid leading the charge.

The Evolution of Leon Draisaitl: From Star to Superstar

Leon Draisaitl was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers with the third overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft, and while his early seasons were promising, it wasn’t until a few years later that he truly began to emerge as one of the NHL’s elite talents. Paired with McDavid on Edmonton’s top line, Draisaitl quickly became known as one of the most skilled forwards in the game, thanks to his exceptional vision, passing ability, and hockey IQ.

Despite this, Draisaitl often lived in the shadow of McDavid, who garnered much of the spotlight. However, Draisaitl’s numbers have consistently ranked him among the best players in the league, and he has more than earned his place in the conversation for the Hart Trophy, awarded to the league’s most valuable player. His ability to produce at an elite level—especially when playing with McDavid—made him an offensive powerhouse, but over the years, his evolution as a more well-rounded player has added new dimensions to his game.

In the 2024-2025 season, Draisaitl has taken another significant step in his development, becoming a more complete player while continuing to post eye-popping offensive numbers. His growth as a leader, his improved defensive play, and his ability to perform in clutch situations have all contributed to his status as one of the NHL’s true superstars. But it’s his incredible offensive production that is drawing the most attention this season, as he has consistently been one of the league’s top scorers.

Draisaitl’s Best Statistical Season: A Goal-Scoring Machine

It’s no secret that Draisaitl has always been an offensive threat, but his ability to score goals at an even higher rate in the 2024-2025 season has put him in a category all his own. Through the first half of the season, Draisaitl has been consistently near the top of the league in both goals and points, showing an ability to light the lamp with incredible frequency. His goal-scoring prowess has reached new heights, and the numbers show that this is his best season ever in terms of both individual statistics and team impact.

As of the midseason mark, Draisaitl has already set a career-high in goals and is on pace to break his own records in both goals and points by the end of the season. In fact, with his combination of precision shooting and impeccable timing, Draisaitl has posted a shooting percentage that is among the highest of his career. His ability to finish off plays—whether on the power play, in transition, or as a result of quick set-up passes—has made him one of the most dangerous goal-scoring threats in the league.

Draisaitl’s power-play production is another area where he has excelled this season. He is a key fixture on the Oilers’ man advantage, which remains one of the most potent power plays in the NHL. Draisaitl has often been the recipient of McDavid’s exceptional vision and passing, but he has also demonstrated the ability to create his own opportunities, especially in tight spaces around the net. With a quick release and an ability to read the play as it develops, Draisaitl has been a deadly weapon when the Oilers are up a man.

In addition to his impressive goal-scoring numbers, Draisaitl’s point totals have remained consistently high, highlighting his playmaking ability. He continues to be one of the top assist men in the league, working seamlessly with McDavid and the rest of the Oilers’ top players to create offensive chances. Whether it’s setting up one-timers from the circle or threading cross-ice passes through tight spaces, Draisaitl’s vision and passing ability are critical to the Oilers’ offensive success.

Draisaitl’s Growth as a Two-Way Player: Taking on More Responsibility

While Draisaitl’s offensive numbers have been nothing short of extraordinary this season, what truly sets him apart from previous years is his growth as a two-way player. Historically, Draisaitl has been primarily known for his offensive contributions, but this season, he has become a more complete player, taking on additional responsibility in the defensive zone and earning the trust of head coach Jay Woodcroft to be deployed in key situations.

In years past, Draisaitl’s defensive play was often questioned, especially as the Oilers struggled with consistency in their defensive zone. However, Draisaitl has dedicated himself to improving his positioning, defensive awareness, and physicality in order to become a more well-rounded player. He has become more effective at breaking up plays in his own zone and using his body to shield the puck and protect the defensive side of the ice. This has allowed the Oilers to deploy him in a variety of situations, including on the penalty kill, an area where he has shown considerable improvement.

Not only is Draisaitl becoming more responsible in his own end, but his faceoff ability has also taken a major step forward. As one of the Oilers’ top faceoff men, Draisaitl has added a valuable asset to his game. His ability to win key draws in the defensive zone, particularly late in games, allows the Oilers to control the puck and maintain possession when it matters most.

Leadership: Draisaitl’s Influence in the Locker Room

Another area in which Draisaitl has excelled this season is in his leadership. As a core member of the Oilers, Draisaitl’s impact goes beyond the ice. He is widely regarded as one of the most professional and driven players in the league, and his leadership has played a crucial role in the team’s development. Draisaitl’s maturity and his ability to take on more responsibility—both on and off the ice—have helped set the tone for the entire organization.

Though he may not be as vocal as some of the league’s other captains, Draisaitl’s leadership is evident in the way he carries himself and how he elevates his teammates. His dedication to constantly improving his game and his commitment to winning have made him a role model for younger players, and his ability to keep a level head in critical moments has allowed him to thrive in high-pressure situations.

On the ice, Draisaitl has become more assertive in critical moments, showing his teammates that he is a leader by example. Whether it’s through clutch goals, key faceoff wins, or big defensive plays, Draisaitl has become a leader in all facets of the game.

Impact on the Edmonton Oilers’ Playoff Push

Draisaitl’s contributions have been instrumental in helping the Oilers position themselves as legitimate Stanley Cup contenders. As of midseason, the Oilers are among the top teams in the Western Conference, and Draisaitl’s dominant play has been one of the driving forces behind their success. His ability to elevate his game in high-stakes situations—whether it’s scoring the big goal or playing crucial minutes—gives the Oilers the confidence that they can compete with any team come playoff time.

Having Draisaitl and McDavid as the foundation of the team is an incredible luxury for the Oilers, and as the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs approach, the combination of their individual brilliance and leadership could prove to be the key to Edmonton’s first championship in years. With Draisaitl having his best season ever, the Oilers are in prime position to challenge for the Cup, and it’s clear that Draisaitl is going to play a pivotal role in that pursuit.