An incredible season from Leon Draisaitl, it’s not the way he wanted it to finish, but nonetheless, we’re blessed to have this man a part of the Edmonton Oilers for eight more years.
When Leon Draisaitl skated off the ice at Rogers Place following the Oilers’ heartbreaking Game 7 loss in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, the sting of the moment was heavy—not just for the fans who had packed the building to its rafters or the teammates who had fought beside him for weeks on end, but for the man himself. A warrior in every sense of the word, Draisaitl gave Edmonton everything this season: elite production, unmatched competitiveness, emotional leadership, and a steadfast commitment to the franchise he’s called home for nearly a decade. It wasn’t the ending he had envisioned, but in many ways, this campaign will be remembered as one of the most complete and inspiring of his already storied career.
From opening night in October to the final buzzer of June, Draisaitl was at the center of everything the Oilers did. He finished the regular season with 110 points—an astonishing 42 goals and 68 assists—placing him third in the NHL scoring race behind teammate Connor McDavid and Toronto’s Auston Matthews. As always, his game was defined not just by the numbers, but by the timing and importance of his contributions. He was a force on the power play, a possession beast at even strength, and a clutch performer when it mattered most. Draisaitl’s vision, touch, and ability to control the tempo of a game remain unrivaled across most of the league, and his chemistry with McDavid—while often spotlighted—was just one layer of his value.
Yet this season, it wasn’t just the familiar brilliance that stood out. What defined Draisaitl in 2024–25 was the leadership leap he took. With the Oilers facing mid-season adversity, coaching adjustments, and injuries to key players, Draisaitl emerged as a vocal and emotional core for the locker room. He led team meetings. He consoled younger players. He spoke bluntly when the team faltered and took full responsibility when things didn’t go right. There were times, particularly during a shaky December stretch, when Draisaitl carried the Oilers not just on the scoresheet, but spiritually. Those close to the team say his willingness to do whatever it took—whether that meant logging heavy minutes, shifting to different roles, or playing through injuries—set the tone for the rest of the group.
By the time the postseason rolled around, Draisaitl was again performing at a superhuman level. Through the first three rounds of the playoffs, he was dominant. Against the Kings, he recorded 9 points in 5 games. In a tense seven-game war against the Canucks, he tallied another 10 points, including the overtime winner in Game 6 that kept Edmonton’s dream alive. And versus the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Final, he elevated his game even further with a five-point outburst in Game 5 and a textbook two-way performance in the clinching Game 6.
It’s easy to take Draisaitl’s excellence for granted because he makes the extraordinary look routine. His one-timer from the left circle has become a trademark. His puck control along the boards is near-impossible to defend. And his ability to dictate pace—not with sheer speed, but with manipulation and anticipation—is something only a handful of players in the modern era possess. He is as dangerous on his edges and in traffic as he is on a rush. And time after time, he has proven that when the stakes are highest, his game only rises.
The Stanley Cup Final, however, was a test unlike any other. The Florida Panthers proved to be a relentless, physical, and well-structured opponent. And as the series wore on, the toll of the long playoff run—both mentally and physically—began to show. Draisaitl, like several other Oilers, played through undisclosed injuries, though he refused to make excuses or seek sympathy. He remained on the top line. He continued taking key faceoffs. He was out there for every crucial moment, be it shorthanded or on the man advantage. He finished the playoffs with 26 points in 25 games—a testament to his endurance and skill, even in the face of fatigue and discomfort.
After the final game, when Draisaitl was asked to sum up his feelings, his answer was short but heartfelt. “It hurts,” he said. “We were right there. But I’m proud of this group. We gave everything.”
Those words resonated not just in Edmonton, but across the hockey world. And for Oilers fans, they carried a deeper weight. Just a few months earlier, Draisaitl had signed a monumental eight-year contract extension—one that would keep him in Edmonton until the summer of 2033. The deal, widely viewed as a win-win for both the player and the franchise, signaled something profound: in an era of player movement and uncertainty, Draisaitl chose loyalty.
The German-born star could have tested free agency in 2026 and become one of the most coveted players in league history. Instead, he committed early. He committed to the city. To the organization. To the vision of finishing what he and McDavid started when they first began skating together nearly a decade ago. That kind of dedication is rare, and it’s one of the reasons Draisaitl’s legacy in Edmonton will endure long after his playing days are over.
For the Oilers, having Draisaitl locked in for the next eight seasons isn’t just a roster move—it’s a foundational pillar. He is part of the franchise’s soul. He represents the blend of skill and toughness that defines Oilers hockey. His bond with McDavid is deeper than just assists and highlight-reel plays; it’s built on mutual respect, shared goals, and years of going to battle together. As they continue into their 30s, both players are entering the prime years of their leadership and maturity. And with both under contract for the long haul, Edmonton has its blueprint.
The city of Edmonton, too, knows what Draisaitl means. He’s embraced the community from day one. Whether it’s his involvement in youth hockey, charitable endeavors, or his availability to the media and fans, Draisaitl has become more than just a player—he’s an ambassador. His grounded demeanor and steady professionalism have earned him admiration across Canada and in his native Germany, where he continues to be a trailblazer for European players making their mark in the NHL.
In the broader context of the league, Draisaitl’s season reasserted his place among the elite. While McDavid continues to receive rightful praise as the best player in the world, Draisaitl is not far behind—and in certain areas, he may even surpass his teammate. His ability to play both center and wing at an elite level gives the Oilers tactical flexibility that few other teams enjoy. His faceoff numbers improved yet again this year, and his defensive awareness reached new heights. He’s no longer just a scorer—he’s a complete, 200-foot player.
As Edmonton shifts its focus to the offseason and the difficult decisions that await—free agent negotiations, depth retooling, and salary cap navigation—one thing remains certain: Leon Draisaitl is the constant. The player every line is built around. The presence that elevates the standard of accountability and commitment. Coaches rely on him. Teammates follow him. And fans trust him, because they know he’ll leave everything on the ice.
Even in defeat, this season felt like the turning of a page in the Oilers’ long quest to reclaim Stanley Cup glory. For all the heartbreak, there’s also belief—belief rooted in the performances of players like Draisaitl who continue to deliver, year after year, with heart and brilliance.
As the final echoes of the 2025 campaign fade into memory, Draisaitl’s name will remain on the lips of Oilers faithful. Not just for the goals or the points, but for the grit. The moments when he stood tall. The times he put the team first. And the knowledge that he’s not going anywhere.
He may not have lifted the Cup this year. But in every other way, Leon Draisaitl was a champion.
