Leon Draisaitl

Leon Draisaitl is a German professional ice hockey player, widely regarded as one of the NHL's most skilled and versatile forwards. Born on October 27, 1995, in Cologne, Germany, Draisaitl grew up in a hockey family; his father, Peter Draisaitl, was a professional player and coach. Leon began playing hockey at a young age and quickly emerged as one of Germany’s top talents.

After excelling in German youth leagues, Draisaitl moved to North America to further his development, joining the WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders in 2012. He dominated at the junior level, earning the nickname “The German Gretzky” and establishing himself as one of the top prospects for the NHL. In the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Draisaitl was selected third overall by the Edmonton Oilers, becoming one of the highest-drafted German players in NHL history.

Draisaitl’s NHL career has been marked by consistent improvement and dominance. Known for his elite hockey IQ, precise passing, and scoring ability, he has become one of the league's top offensive threats. In the 2019-20 season, he won the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL's leading scorer, the Hart Trophy as league MVP, and the Ted Lindsay Award as the most outstanding player voted by peers. Draisaitl is also a key component of the Oilers' dynamic duo alongside Connor McDavid, forming one of the most potent tandems in NHL history.

Off the ice, Draisaitl is a trailblazer for German hockey, inspiring a new generation of players in his home country. As one of the league’s brightest stars, he continues to elevate the Oilers and solidify his legacy as one of the best players in the game today.