Oilers 2025-26 Report Cards: Leon Draisaitl

As the offseason rolls on, so do the Edmonton Oilers’ player grades. The last report card graded Jack Roslovic, and now we turn our attention to superstar forward Leon Draisaitl.

Draisaitl finished the first year of a massive eight-year contract extension with a $14 million cap hit. He’s one of the best players in the league, so this was a well-deserved raise. Especially considering his last eight-year deal with an $8.5 million cap hit was a bargain. Let’s reflect on another all-star-calibre season from the Oilers’ forward.

2025-26 Performance

Draisaitl continued to be among the top scoring leaders in the NHL. He recorded 35 goals and 97 points in 65 games, with a plus-13 rating, averaging 21:35 per game. Unfortunately, he missed the final 14 regular-season games with a lower-body injury. He was well on his way to his seventh 100-point campaign before that injury derailed his season. Despite missing time, he still finished ninth in the NHL scoring race.

The 30-year-old forward had 27 multipoint performances, including seven three-point games, four four-point games, and one five-point performance. He also had two separate eight-game point streaks and one nine-game point streak in the regular season. His nine-game point streak came in the final nine games before his injury.

Draisaitl had points in the last 15 games he played, including the playoffs. On top of that, he was only held off the scoresheet 13 times, and was held pointless in back-to-back games just twice. If he didn’t get a point, there was a great chance he would be back on the scoresheet the next game. He always responded after a tough showing.

He also thrives in the faceoff circle, winning 628 out of 1,103 draws for a 56.94 faceoff percentage. When he was on the ice, the Oilers were an impeccable 68.94 percent in offensive zone faceoffs. Puck possession is crucial, and winning important faceoffs ensures more of it, especially in the offensive zone.

While he was still productive, his goal scoring was down. His 35 goals were the fewest since he had 31 during the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season. He also wasn’t shooting as much. He had 186 shots, which was his fewest since that same pandemic-shortened season. Take that outlier season away, and this was his fewest shot output since he had 172 shots in 2016-17.

He clearly wasn’t 100 percent in the playoffs after returning from his injury. However, he was still one of their best players. He registered three goals and 10 points in six playoff games, which led the team. The second line of Draisaitl, Vasily Podkolzin, and Kasperi Kapanen was undoubtedly Edmonton’s best line in the playoffs.

Draisaitl Was an Olympian

For the first time in his career, Draisaitl represented Germany in the Olympics. This was a huge accomplishment and something he will never forget. He had two goals and seven points in five games. He led his country in points, and he was tied for eighth in tournament scoring. Unfortunately, his team lost to Slovakia in the quarterfinals, ending their chance at a medal.

Just being an Olympian is a great achievement, but Draisaitl was also chosen as one of Germany’s flag-bearers for the opening ceremony. That was quite a well-deserved honour. Even though the Oilers didn’t get the result they wanted, this was still an unforgettable season for the German phenom.

Overall Grade

Draisaitl continues to be an incredible leader and player. He elevates everyone he plays with. His linemates aren’t usually established top-six forwards, but Draisaitl makes them better, and he gets them to that level. He’s truly a special talent.

Last season, he got a perfect A+ grade for his phenomenal 52-goal, 106-point season, paired with his outstanding playoff performance. This season, he gets an A. His grade is a tad lower because his goal scoring and shot volume were down, and he couldn’t stay healthy. Despite that, this was still a great season for him. He’s been as consistent as it gets, and that should continue in 2026-27.

Keep following The Hockey Writers as we continue the Oilers’ player report cards throughout the offseason.

Advanced stats courtesy of Natural Stat Trick.