Leon Draisaitl & Kris Knoblauch On How To Have Chemistry With Connor McDavid
The dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl is one of the most potent and exciting partnerships in the National Hockey League today. With McDavid’s unmatched speed, vision, and playmaking ability, paired with Draisaitl’s exceptional offensive skills, powerful shot, and hockey IQ, the two have formed one of the most lethal duos in modern hockey. However, their incredible chemistry didn’t come overnight. Like any great partnership, it required work, understanding, and development. In this article, we will explore the ways in which Leon Draisaitl and Kris Knoblauch, the Oilers’ head coach, discuss the keys to establishing and maintaining chemistry with McDavid. We’ll dive into how these two influential figures on the Oilers’ roster have navigated building this relationship, and how their teamwork has propelled the Oilers to new heights.
The Evolution of McDavid and Draisaitl’s Chemistry
When Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid first became teammates in Edmonton, many saw their individual talents as separate forces, each capable of carrying a line on their own. McDavid, drafted first overall in 2015, quickly emerged as the league’s most electrifying player, while Draisaitl, drafted third overall the same year, established himself as one of the top power forwards in the NHL. However, it wasn’t until their collaboration on the ice that they truly began to shine as one of the most dominant pairs in the game.
Initially, McDavid was often paired with different wingers, trying to find the right mix to maximize his potential. Draisaitl, at the time, was more often a centerman or playing with other linemates, but the Oilers’ coaching staff eventually recognized that the two had the kind of chemistry that could be the cornerstone of the franchise’s offense. As a result, they were paired together on the top line, and the partnership between the two took off.
The reason for their success is rooted in the complementary nature of their skill sets. McDavid’s ability to accelerate with the puck at breakneck speeds and his unparalleled vision allow him to control the flow of the game, setting up plays and finding teammates in the perfect spots. Draisaitl, on the other hand, brings a different set of tools to the table: his high hockey IQ, a heavy shot, and a knack for finding open areas to receive passes. While McDavid is often known for blazing past defenders with his speed, Draisaitl uses his strength and anticipation to find open ice and take advantage of scoring opportunities.
The combination of McDavid’s speed and Draisaitl’s creativity allows the two to execute on plays that few other teams can replicate. Over the years, they’ve developed a kind of “mind-meld” on the ice, where they are constantly anticipating each other’s moves and positioning themselves to take advantage of the other’s skill set. This deep connection allows them to be so effective, especially in high-pressure situations where they can rely on each other’s instincts to get the job done.
But what are the keys to this relationship? How do these two players, with such different playing styles, form a cohesive and successful partnership on the ice?
Leon Draisaitl: The Importance of Patience and Understanding
Leon Draisaitl is no stranger to the concept of chemistry. As one of the top players in the world, he’s developed a deep understanding of what it takes to form effective partnerships with other players. Draisaitl, who has been McDavid’s teammate for many years, has consistently praised McDavid for his intelligence and unselfishness on the ice.
In interviews, Draisaitl has spoken about how playing with McDavid requires patience and communication. “Connor is one of the best players in the world, but when you’re playing with someone who is that good, you have to be willing to adapt to their style,” Draisaitl said. “It’s not always about trying to keep up with him, but rather understanding where he’s going and what he’s looking to do. When you know where your linemate is going, you can anticipate his plays and be ready for the next move.”
Patience, in particular, has been a key aspect of Draisaitl’s success with McDavid. Often, McDavid’s speed and vision lead him to create opportunities for himself and his teammates in a matter of seconds. While this can sometimes seem overwhelming to players, Draisaitl has learned how to stay calm, trust his positioning, and wait for the right moment to capitalize on McDavid’s efforts. His ability to read the game at a high level has allowed him to make plays that few others could.
Moreover, Draisaitl understands that McDavid’s style is based on quick transitions, high-speed rushes, and dynamic offensive pressure. This means that Draisaitl has had to adjust his game to complement McDavid’s speed. Draisaitl often acts as the more stable and reliable option on the line, providing a sense of balance and enabling McDavid to focus on driving the play forward. This role has allowed Draisaitl to thrive, especially in situations where McDavid’s speed creates mismatches, leaving Draisaitl in an excellent position to capitalize on passes or create scoring chances of his own.
Kris Knoblauch: The Coach’s Perspective on Building Chemistry
While McDavid and Draisaitl’s partnership is a product of their natural talents and instincts, the role of the coaching staff cannot be understated. Kris Knoblauch, the Oilers’ head coach, has been instrumental in fostering this dynamic and ensuring that both players are positioned for success. Knoblauch, who has been a part of the Oilers’ coaching staff for several seasons, has consistently worked on developing strategies that allow McDavid and Draisaitl to excel together while maintaining balance in the rest of the lineup.
From Knoblauch’s perspective, one of the most important factors in building chemistry between players is creating the right environment for them to succeed. He emphasizes that it’s crucial to give players the freedom to read and react to the game as it unfolds, rather than imposing rigid systems that limit their creativity. This flexibility has allowed McDavid and Draisaitl to build a relationship where they trust each other’s decision-making and know that they can rely on one another.
“In hockey, chemistry comes from understanding each other’s tendencies and playing to each other’s strengths,” Knoblauch explained. “With Connor and Leon, they both know their roles on the ice. Connor is going to push the pace, and Leon is going to be there to finish or support the play. That kind of trust takes time, but once it’s developed, it becomes second nature.”
One of the key aspects of Knoblauch’s coaching philosophy is giving McDavid and Draisaitl the opportunity to work through mistakes. Both players are incredibly gifted offensively, but that doesn’t mean they are immune to errors. Knoblauch has always encouraged the two to stay composed and continue experimenting with their play without fear of making mistakes. This approach fosters growth and allows players to learn from their experiences rather than being stifled by strict expectations.
“Both players are incredibly skilled and capable of improvising on the ice,” Knoblauch said. “What we’ve done as a coaching staff is to create an environment where they can experiment with different plays, see what works, and build their understanding of each other’s strengths.”
Key Traits for Building Chemistry
From Draisaitl’s patience to Knoblauch’s focus on freedom and trust, several key traits stand out when it comes to building chemistry with Connor McDavid.
- Anticipation and Awareness – As Draisaitl mentioned, understanding where McDavid is going and anticipating his plays is crucial. McDavid’s skating style often takes defenders by surprise, so players need to be able to read the play in real time and be ready to make a move when the opportunity arises.
- Patience and Adaptability – McDavid’s speed can make it difficult for linemates to keep up at times. However, patience and adaptability are essential for maximizing the partnership. Players need to learn when to give McDavid space and when to step into an open lane, trusting that McDavid will create an opportunity.
- Trust – As Knoblauch emphasizes, trust is at the heart of any successful partnership. Draisaitl and McDavid have built trust over the years, knowing that each will be in the right spot at the right time. This allows them to take risks, make plays, and cover for each other when things don’t go as planned.
- Communication – While much of their play is instinctive, communication remains important for McDavid and his linemates. Whether it’s a verbal cue or just the ability to recognize each other’s body language, being able to communicate on the fly is key to any great partnership.
