Edmonton Oilers' Leon Draisaitl Proves He's No Byproduct of Connor McDavid

With Connor McDavid sidelined, Leon Draisaitl has silenced doubts about his ability to lead the Edmonton Oilers.

Draisaitl has racked up six points in two games since McDavid’s injury, proving he's much more than just McDavid’s teammate. He's an elite-level NHL player and a true leader, able to carry a Stanley Cup-contending team on his back.

In Sunday's 4-2 victory over the Calgary Flames, Draisaitl continued his hot streak, notching a goal and two assists. His early goal just 20 seconds into the game set the tone, helping the Oilers secure a much-needed second consecutive win without their captain.

Draisaitl's leadership has resonated with his teammates.

“Leon’s been outstanding – he’s really stepped up,” Zach Hyman told reporters post-game. Hyman also acknowledged the Oilers’ unique situation, calling Draisaitl “the second-best player in the world” alongside McDavid.

Draisaitl's hot streak came after Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch benched him briefly a few weeks ago after taking a penalty. Some players might pout – and Draisaitl is known to wear his emotions on his sleeve – but he's done the opposite. He's elevated his game when it was clear the Oilers needed a hero.

Since his benching on Oct. 15 against the Philadelphia Flyers, when he also scored the overtime-winner, and since McDavid went down, Draisaitl has been a driving force. He's led the Oilers to a 6-2-1 record in their last nine games.

Knoblauch was glowing in his review of Draisaitl's recent performance. 

Suggesting he's taken the fate of this team by the horns, Leon has "definitely been our leader,” Knoblauch told reporters. “Tonight, I believe he was the best player on the ice. You need people stepping up, and you need your best players to be your best players. So far, he has. I can’t say enough about what he’s providing our team.”

Even without McDavid, the Oilers are finding their game and banking crucial points while their captain and superstar recovers. It's a promising sign for the team moving forward, but McDavid practising at Monday's optional Oilers skate is also encouraging news. While several players are stepping up, Draisaitl is the driving force behind this recent winning streak. 

The Oilers will face the New Jersey Devils on Monday night on Prime Video. If Draisaitl maintains his torrid pace, he could enter the NHL's top 10 scorers list this season and bring the team back into the playoff picture much quicker than during last year's slump.

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