Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Leon Draisaitl

Discover the career path of Leon Draisaitl, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Leon Draisaitl is a highly accomplished German professional ice hockey player for the Edmonton Oilers. He's celebrated as one of the NHL's best, evidenced by winning the Art Ross Trophy, Hart Memorial Trophy, and Ted Lindsay Award in 2020, marking the first German to achieve this. Additionally, he secured the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy in 2025 for leading goal scorer, with multiple runner-up finishes for both the Richard and Art Ross Trophies. As an alternate captain for the Oilers, Draisaitl's skill and leadership are crucial to his team's success.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2006: Oilers advanced to Western Conference Final

In 2006, the Oilers advanced to the Western Conference Final for the first time since 2006.

2006: Oilers Stanley Cup Finals Appearance

In 2024, Draisaitl helped the Oilers reach the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 2006, where they were defeated by the Florida Panthers.

2012: Selection by Prince Albert Raiders

In 2012, Draisaitl was selected second overall in the CHL Import Draft by the Prince Albert Raiders of the Western Hockey League (WHL) after his Player of the Year season in the German Development League.

2012: Selected in CHL Import Draft

In 2012, Draisaitl was selected second overall in the CHL Import Draft by the Prince Albert Raiders.

August 2014: Signed with Edmonton Oilers

On August 12, 2014, Draisaitl signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers.

2014: Drafted by Edmonton Oilers

In 2014, Draisaitl was drafted third overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL entry draft.

January 2015: Return to Prince Albert Raiders

In January 2015, Draisaitl was returned to the Prince Albert Raiders after appearing in 37 games for the Oilers in the first half of the 2014–15 season.

July 2015: Free Agency Implications

In July 2015, the move to return Draisaitl to the Prince Albert Raiders earlier in the year prevented Draisaitl from moving one year closer to free agency.

2015: WHL Championship and Playoff MVP

In 2015, Draisaitl helped the Kelowna Rockets to the WHL Championship, where he was named playoff MVP after scoring 28 points in 19 games. He also won the Stafford Smythe Trophy as Memorial Cup MVP the same year.

April 2016: Last Goal at Rexall Place

On April 6, 2016, during the last Oilers game at Rexall Place, Draisaitl scored the last NHL goal to be scored there in a 6–2 win over the Vancouver Canucks.

March 2017: Multi-Point Game Streak

On March 23, 2017, Draisaitl became the first Oiler player since 1990 to have six straight multi-point games.

August 2017: Contract Extension with Oilers

On August 16, 2017, Draisaitl signed an eight-year, $68 million contract extension with the Oilers.

January 2019: Coaching and Management Changes for the Oilers

In January 2019, coach Todd McLellan was relieved and replaced by Ken Hitchcock, and following continued losses, general manager Peter Chiarelli was sacked.

April 2019: 50-Goal Season

On April 6, 2019, Draisaitl became the sixth Oiler to score at least 50 goals in a season and finished with 50 goals, 55 assists, and 105 points.

2019: Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy runner-up

In 2019, Leon Draisaitl was the runner-up for the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy.

March 2020: Premature End to Regular Season Due to COVID-19

In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic prematurely ended the regular NHL season. Prior to cancellation, Draisaitl had 43 goals, a league-leading 67 assists and 110 points in 71 games played.

2020: Art Ross Trophy, Hart Memorial Trophy, and Ted Lindsay Award

In 2020, Leon Draisaitl became the first German player to win the Art Ross Trophy as the leading point scorer in the NHL, the Hart Memorial Trophy as regular season MVP, and the Ted Lindsay Award for most outstanding player.

January 2021: Six-Assist Game

On January 31, 2021, Draisaitl recorded six assists in an 8–5 win against the Ottawa Senators, becoming the first Oilers' player since Paul Coffey on March 14, 1986, to record a six-assist game.

2021: Art Ross Trophy runner-up

In 2021, Leon Draisaitl was the runner-up for the Art Ross Trophy.

2021: Oilers' strong start to the season

In 2021, the Oilers had a franchise-best start with a 9-1 record. Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid were the first Edmonton teammates since Wayne Gretzky and Jari Kurri in 1984-85 to each reach 20 points within the first 10 games. Draisaitl also scored 20 goals in his first 19 games.

2022: Playoff run with injury

In 2022, Draisaitl reached 50 goals for the second time and hit 100 points for the third time. He set a team record for power play goals. During the playoffs against the Los Angeles Kings, Draisaitl sustained a high ankle sprain but continued to play, even setting a playoff record against the Calgary Flames. He ended the playoffs playing with a high ankle sprain since game 6 of the first round.

2022: Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy runner-up

In 2022, Leon Draisaitl was the runner-up for the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy.

April 2024: Draisaitl recorded his 500th NHL assist

On April 5, 2024, Leon Draisaitl recorded his 500th NHL assist on a Connor McDavid goal in a 6-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche.

September 2024: Contract Extension with the Oilers

On September 3, 2024, Leon Draisaitl signed an eight-year, $112 million contract extension with the Oilers, making it the richest contract in league history with an annual salary of $14 million.