Leon Draisaitl, C/LW
Shoots: L	Height: 6-1	Weight: 209
Born: 1995-10-27	Hometown: Köhn, GER	Drafted: 2014 by Edmonton Oilers, 3rd overall

 

 

 

 Observations:

October 2015 – After starting the season in Bakersfield, Draisaitl is already getting called up to Edmonton. He has regularly played on the top line in the AHL and due to injuries and a mediocre start from the Oilers, he is getting his shot to shine. It wouldn't be surprising to see him in the lineup tonight (October 29). The youth movement continues as the Oilers simply have no other options in terms of veteran depth. Draisaitl may be worth a short term pickup in deeper leagues, especially if he gets ice time in the top-6.  Tyler Thomson

May 2015 – Draisaitl was named the MVP of the Memorial Cup tournament, notching seven points in five games as the Kelowna Rockets lost to the Oshawa Generals in the final. He also led the WHL in playoff scoring with 28 points in 19 games. The young man certainly has a bright future and sending him down to compete in the CHL for one more year was certainly a good decision for his long-term development. Tyler Thomson

March 2015 – Draisaitl finished off his shortened WHL season with the same 1.6 point-per-game pace as his draft year. Given more time he could have easily surpassed it. Draisaitl has been instrumental for the powerhouse Rockets first place finish. His maturity knows no bounds as there has been no fuss or complacency in his game since being sent down. With 'Drai' anchoring the Rockets top line, it will be extremely difficult to conquer them in a seven game series this year. Expect Draisaitl to keep up the torrid scoring pace against Tri City in the first round of the WHL playoffs. Tyler Thomson

 

February 2015 – Draisaitl has been named the WHL's Player of the Week ending February 15. Since being sent down and traded to Kelowna he has been racking up the points and appears to be adjusting well to life back in the CHL. In four games from February 9 to February 15, Draisaitl posted two goals and nine points. He now has nine goals and 27 points in 17 games. With the Rockets as a heavy favourite to move on to the Memorial Cup this year, Draisaitl will gain valuable leadership experience as his new team prepares to make a deep playoff run. Tyler Thomson

 

January 2014 – The Prince Albert Raiders have officially traded Leon Draisaitl to the Kelowna Rockets, a team who's expected to contend for the WHL and Memorial Cup Championships.  Brendan Ross

 

January 2014 – The Edmonton Oilers have sent Draisaitl back to the Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL. The move comes after Draisaitl's ice-time has greatly decreased and the Oilers traded for Derek Roy. A year has been burned from his entry-level NHL contract but the Oilers managed to complete the transaction before the 40 game mark, saving them from losing a year to unrestricted free agency. It is expected that Draisaitl will be traded to the first-place Kelowna Rockets to compete for a Memorial Cup at the conclusion of the World Junior Championships.Tyler Thomson

June 2014 – The Edmonton Oilers selected Leon Draisaitl 3^rd overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Brendan Ross

 

April 2014 – The WHL has named Leon Draisaitl the Player of the Month for March after recording 10 goals and 19 points in eight games for the Prince Albert Raiders. Draisaitl is receiving considering for the 1st overall selection of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft with his strong play and projectable style of game. Brendan Ross

 

 

January 2014 – Leon Draisaitl is an intelligent playmaking forward with good offensive instincts. The German import is effective in puck possession using his lengthy frame to shield away defenders and maintain puck control. He displays top-end vision and can read the play ahead of his peers. Draisaitl has been an offensive leader for the Prince Albert Raiders and is set to break his WHL career highs with his current production of 19 goals and 56 points through 38 games (as of January 24^th). Draisaitl is projected to be a top 10 selection at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft as scouts love his combination of size and skill but is coming off underwhelming showings at both the 2014 World Junior Championship with Germany and 2014 CHL/NHL Top Prospects game. Brendan Ross

 

 

Fantasy Outlook: B+

 

Draisaitl possesses a projectable game from an NHL perspective combining intelligence, size and offensive awareness but can be prone to inconsistent play. At the NHL level, he projects as a playmaking pivot capable of playing top line minutes.

 

NHL Player Comparison: Anze Kopitar

 

 

Footage:

Draisaitl's First NHL Goal:

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Leon Draisaitl 2012-13 WHL Highlights:

 

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Buy the latest Fantasy Prospects Report here.

 

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