Leon Draisaitl

German professional ice hockey center and alternate captain for the Edmonton Oilers, known for his exceptional scoring ability and playmaking skills.

Leon Draisaitl was born in Cologne, Germany in 1995. Edmonton Oilers selected him third overall in the 2014 NHL Draft. His career has produced 376 goals and 560 assists for 936 career points — the most by a German-born player in NHL history. He won the Hart Trophy as MVP and the Art Ross Trophy as scoring champion in 2020 after recording 110 points. He was the first German player to win the Hart Trophy. He has been selected to multiple All-Star games. He and Connor McDavid form what is widely regarded as the most dangerous offensive pairing in NHL history in the modern game — both averaging over a point per game consistently. He scored 52 goals in 2021-22. He represents Germany internationally and is the most important figure in the history of German hockey. His production alongside McDavid at Edmonton has driven the Oilers to multiple deep playoff runs and the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals appearance. He is the most decorated German-born athlete in North American professional sport.

Draisaitl is a versatile forward with exceptional size at 6'2" who combines elite playmaking vision with a deadly shot. He possesses remarkable hockey IQ and can dominate games from multiple positions, playing both center and wing effectively. His physical strength allows him to protect the puck and create space for teammates while maintaining excellent hands in tight spaces.

Draisaitl has elevated the profile of German hockey and inspired a new generation of European players to pursue NHL careers. His success has helped establish Germany as a legitimate hockey nation on the international stage.

• Hart Trophy 2020
• Art Ross Trophy 2x (2020, 2022)
• Ted Lindsay Award 2020
• NHL All-Star 7x
• Olympic Gold 2025 (Germany)
• Stanley Cup 2025