Latest news with #Draisaitl
Edmonton Journal
2 days ago
- Business
- Edmonton Journal
Richest contract in Oilers history also one of top bargains in entire NHL, analytics expert says
This in from Dom Luszczyszyn, stat analyst from The Athletic, his list of the best contracts in the NHL, and his assertion that Leon Draisaitl's new $14 million per year deal — the richest in the history of the Edmonton Oilers — is also the sixth best contract in the NHL just now. Article content According to Luszczyszyn, Draisaitl's new $14 million per year deal over eight seasons will give the Oilers $35 million in surplus value, about $4.4 million per year. Article content Article content 'What looked like a fair deal when it was signed now looks like a steal thanks to Draisaitl's personal leap in performance timed with the rising cap environment,' Luszczyszyn writes. 'On the Draisaitl front, he was the league's best skater last year as a result of a much-improved defensive game. While Draisaitl's defensive play had already grown relative to his early days, last season's jump put him on the fringes of Selke discussions. He reached a new level that put him in the conversation among the league's best 200-foot players — and it didn't come with any offensive sacrifice either.' Article content Article content The unexpected rapid rise in the NHL's salary cap makes Drai's deal all the better of a bargain, Luszczyszyn writes. Article content 1. It's great that the analytics crowd now appreciates Draisaitl. Earlier in his career, many analytics types were open to trading away Drai from the Oilers and argued his first contract was somewhat of an overpay when he inked it. At the Cult, our video analysis of Draisaitl showed him to be a strong player from his first year in the league, but he's now reached a new height. For the first time in their decade together, Draisaitl out-played Connor McDavid at even strength this past regular season. Article content Draisaitl was +2.99 Grade A shots per game this year at even strength, making contributionsto 4.3 per game and mistakes on 1.3 per against against. That's the best number we've ever found at the Cult of Hockey since starting video review of scoring chances in 2010-11. Article content Article content 2. Draisaitl was at his attacking best this year. He's never been so dangerous. He also picked it up defensively in the regular season. In the playoffs, especially in the Final against Florida, both he and McDavid saw a drop in their defensive play. In the Final, both of them pressed too hard to force the attack, which all too often drew them out of position, McDavid trying to win battles and pucks, Draisaitl trying to steal the puck by anticipating where it would go. This worked when they guessed right but when they guessed wrong it led to too many Grade A shots and goals against.
New York Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Projecting Edmonton Oilers' opening-night forward lines for 2025-26
Since the turn of the century, Edmonton Oilers fans have seen some things on opening night. In the fall of 2009, then-head coach Pat Quinn placed rugged fourth-line winger Jean-Francois Jacques on the No. 1 line with Shawn Horcoff and Ales Hemsky. The team's most talented young forward, Sam Gagner, found himself on the fourth line. Advertisement The best opening-night lineup for the Oilers over the past 25 years might be the 2005-06 group. Craig MacTavish was the coach, and he had four strong lines that delivered impressive five-on-five outscoring: Ryan Smyth-Shawn Horcoff-Radek Dvorak Raffi Torres-Michael Peca-Ales Hemsky Ethan Moreau-Jarret Stoll-Fernando Pisani Todd Harvey-Marty Reasoner-Georges Laraque There is a rugged edge on every line, a strong two-way player on each trio (and two on the top line) and scoring from all units. This edition of the Oilers boasted Chris Pronger as the top defenceman, and he tilted the ice every shift. Still, the balance MacTavish managed on that 2005-06 team was exceptional, and one of the reasons the club reached the Stanley Cup Final. What the 2005 and 2009 teams didn't have was Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Could this edition of the Oilers do something similar to the 2005-06 team, only better? Back in 2005, two-way forwards were identified mostly by reputation. In modern times, we have Puck IQ to help us establish the best outscoring and suppression players. The Oilers have such ridiculous talent. Draisaitl's ability to outscore five-on-five and post strong offensive numbers in the metric with pedestrian wingers is a massive advantage. Last year, he played 388 minutes versus elites and allowed just 1.9 GA per 60 against the league's best. His numbers alongside left winger Vasily Podkolzin were shocking: In 471 minutes (isolated away from McDavid), the two men delivered a 57 percent goal share (61 percent expected), via Natural Stat Trick. The McDavid line should get a tweak this fall, owing mostly to a fall in goals-for when the captain plays with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman. Switching out Nugent-Hopkins and adding newcomer Andrew Mangiapane should give the line more offensive punch while maintaining strong two-way ability. All numbers five-on-five, via Natural Stat Trick The top two lines should deliver consistent five-on-five results. McDavid's goal-scoring ability should regress in a positive way, with the relentless forechecking of Hyman and Mangiapane giving the captain all kinds of room to wheel. All three players will be looking for more goals this coming year. Mangiapane could post strong offence if he develops chemistry with McDavid. Advertisement Draisaitl's ability to perform well with anyone should be a great boost for the rookie Matt Savoie. He likely gets the first big push among the two feature rookies up front, and his aggressive style and ability to pass the puck will be a positive. Podkolzin held his own as an outscorer a year ago and is young enough to blossom offensively in Year 2 with Draisaitl. The two big men on this line are a load, while giving Edmonton a strong two-way wrinkle even against elites. If the coaching staff can use Mangiapane and Savoie as solutions on the top two lines, things open up for the kind of four-line presence Oilers fans saw 20 years ago. Nugent-Hopkins and Adam Henrique could provide both units with a veteran pivot who could play in all three game states. Both have enough offensive ability to make skill plays, and Nugent-Hopkins has been a plus two-way type for over a decade. The wingers who will occupy the third and fourth lines are a varied group. Ike Howard, who has never played a game of pro hockey, will be something of a wild card who could move up and down the lineup depending on whether he's running hot or cold. All numbers five-on-five, via Natural Stat Trick The third line has a nice mix of skill and physicality, along with Nugent-Hopkins serving as mentor for Howard, Edmonton's other rookie winger. All three men should hold their own at five-on-five, with Nugent-Hopkins playing on both special teams. Howard may get a look on the power play. Trent Frederic has been used sparingly on the power play the last two seasons, with encouraging results. The fourth line has wingers who compensate for Henrique's average speed with two burners. Both Curtis Lazar and Kasperi Kapanen are fast and aggressive, and all three players have enough offensive ability (when healthy) to contribute. Lazar will be counted on in multiple areas and should be considered an important, if under-the-radar, addition to the club. Advertisement There's a chance the Oilers keep only 13 forwards for opening night, in an effort to bank cap room for the deadline. Candidates for the final spot would include veteran checker Mattias Janmark, Swedish league leading scorer from a year ago David Tomasek and right-handed centre Noah Philp. Wingers Max Jones and Roby Jarventie probably start the season in the minors, but could be early recalls depending on team needs. The 2005-06 team was much stronger than most remember. The Oilers barely got into the playoffs that season, but that was mainly due to a lack of goaltending. The team's forwards offered MacTavish a balanced group with rugged players on each line and a strong two-way presence. The lines above offer similar balance for coach Kris Knoblauch, with better talent than 20 years ago. All three men on the McDavid line can take care of themselves, and the wingers can crash, bang, forecheck and turn over pucks. Those things lead to McDavid's spectacular chances off the rush. The Draisaitl line has plenty of grit along with the most talented big man in the industry. Draisaitl's ability to score and outscore with somewhat obscure wingers has become a strength of this team. It's part of the reason the club could reimagine the fourth line this winter. The third and fourth lines can fight it out for the rest of the five-on-five playing time. The Nugent-Hopkins unit has a physical player (Frederic), a pure scorer (Howard) and a player with enormous utility. The Mike Peca line 20 years ago had many of these elements and put them to good use. The Henrique line is a fourth unit in name only. If Lazar is healthy, he could return to 2023-24 levels, when he scored 1.61 points per 60 and owned a 52 percent expected goal share. Kapanen's biggest sin is inconsistency, but he's a dangerous player in the offensive zone. A season against the soft parade fourth lines could produce strong numbers. Advertisement The dream for the modern Oilers has never been four balanced lines a la 2005-06 Oilers, as the club is going to run the McDavid and Draisaitl lines for most of the game. What the Oilers can do with this alignment is give the coaching staff four lines that can play any style, and could be shuffled when things are not clicking during the regular season. There's more youth, which will be vital with a gruelling early schedule, and there is room to grow offensively from the likes of Savoie, Howard and Podkolzin. There is competition for playing time among the third and fourth units. It means the coaching staff doesn't have to trash the fourth line for parts in-game, and can give the top two lines a breather when games are out of hand. Finally, it ensures both young wingers play in big-game situations and the organization is guaranteed to know what Savoie and Howard can deliver in the spring when the playoffs arrive. Up next: defence and goalies.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl named best NHL player at 2025 ESPYS
(AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File) Leon Draisaitl 's stellar 2024–25 campaign has earned him a new honor, this time off the ice. The Edmonton Oilers forward was named Best NHL Player at the 2025 ESPYS on Wednesday, becoming the first German-born player to win the award. Draisaitl joins an elite group of European winners, capping off a year that saw him lead the league in goals and help push Edmonton to the Stanley Cup Final once again. Leon Draisaitl honored with first ESPY after career-best season Leon Draisaitl's ESPY win comes on the heels of a standout season in which he scored 52 goals to earn his first Rocket Richard Trophy. Despite missing time and playing just 71 games, the 29-year-old forward still finished with 106 points, his sixth 100-point campaign in the last seven seasons. Draisaitl also became the first German and just the fourth European player to ever win the ESPY for Best NHL Player. The annual award, hosted by ESPN, celebrates the top athletes in all major sports. Draisaitl's selection continues Edmonton's dominance in this category, as teammate Connor McDavid won the award in each of the last three years. Although the ESPY may not carry the same weight as league-specific honors, it highlights Draisaitl's popularity and impact on the game globally. Strong playoff run highlights all-around dominance Draisaitl carried his strong regular-season form into the playoffs. In 22 postseason games, he recorded 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists), helping the Oilers reach their second consecutive Stanley Cup Final. His performance included four overtime game-winners, underlining his ability to deliver in critical moments. While Edmonton fell short of the ultimate prize, Draisaitl's efforts were vital in the team's deep playoff run. The combination of offensive production, leadership, and clutch scoring made him a deserving recipient of national recognition at the ESPYS. A light-hearted off-ice moment Interestingly, Draisaitl and McDavid were not in attendance for the ESPY ceremony. Instead, the duo was spotted playing in a recreational beer league game in Newmarket, Ontario, which their team lost 6–2. Despite the light-hearted nature of the event, the moment showcased their grounded personalities and connection with local fans. Leon Draisaitl's ESPY win is another testament to his rising legacy in the NHL. With multiple league awards, a consistent scoring record, and now national recognition, the Edmonton Oilers star continues to solidify his place among hockey's elite. Also Read: Anaheim Ducks re-sign Lukas Dostal to five-year, $32,500,000 contract Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Leon Draisaitl sends 29 mysterious boxes a year to his former team — the reason is actually heartwarming
isn't just dominating on the ice, he's building a legacy far beyond the . The Oilers superstar is now donating 29 full sets of hockey gear every year through 2026–27 to his youth team back in Cologne, Germany. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now That's not just a number, it's his jersey number. And it's his way of giving 29 young dreamers a fighting chance each season. From Junghaie to NHL stardom: Leon Draisaitl's journey comes full circle Leon grew up playing for Kölner Haie's youth team, the Junghaie, long before the bright lights of Edmonton. It's where his stick first met the ice and where his dream began. Now, through a collaboration with the NHLPA Goals & Dreams program, he's making sure other kids from Cologne have the same opportunity he did without worrying about how they'll afford skates, pads, or helmets. Every year, 29 players will get: Full sets of sticks, skates, pads, and helmets Training gear that matches what pros use The confidence that someone like Leon Draisaitl believes in them Draisaitl said it best: 'It feels great to return to where it all started… I wouldn't be where I am today without the support I received growing up in Cologne.' It's not just charity, it's personal. Why it matters for Germany's hockey future Germany isn't traditionally seen as a hockey powerhouse. But stars like Draisaitl are changing that narrative. And moves like this? They make sure the pipeline keeps flowing. By fueling the dreams of 58 kids over two seasons, Draisaitl is planting the seeds of what could be the next big German hockey wave. He's not just giving them gear, he's giving them belief. Leon Draisaitl might be an NHL MVP candidate. But in Cologne? He's already a legend and now, a mentor. And for 29 kids each season, he's the reason they can chase the exact same dream. Also read -
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Scottie Scheffler's PGA Payday Has Already Surpassed NHL's Highest Salaries
Scottie Scheffler's PGA Payday Has Already Surpassed NHL's Highest Salaries originally appeared on Athlon Sports. As the John Deere Classic wraps up today, all eyes may be on the leaderboard but another number is turning heads across the sports world, $15.8 million. That's how much World No.1 Scottie Scheffler has earned on the PGA Tour in 2025 so far. Incredibly, that figure already eclipses the entire 2025-26 season salary of the NHL's highest-paid player, who will bring in $14 million. Advertisement Golf Digest highlighted this jaw-dropping comparison in a recent graphic, showcasing how dominant and lucrative Scheffler's season has been. 'Scottie Scheffler's 2025 earnings so far: $15.8M,' the image reads, next to Draisaitl's more modest hockey paycheck. Scottie SchefflerSamantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Scheffler has built this massive payday with relentless consistency. He's made the cut in all 14 events he's played, winning three and finishing in the top 10 eleven times. His hot streak includes a five-shot victory at the PGA Championship, a blowout win at The CJ Cup Byron Nelson, and another dominant run at the Memorial Tournament. That last one made him the first golfer since Tiger Woods to defend a title at Muirfield Village. Advertisement He now has three career majors, is halfway to a Grand Slam this year, and he's not slowing down. After a short break following a T-6 finish at the Travelers Championship, Scheffler is gearing up for The Genesis Scottish Open before heading to Royal Portrush for The Open Championship. Scheffler, who turned 29 this year, isn't just chasing trophies he's redefining greatness on the PGA Tour. As he heads into links season, the Texan's already massive earnings—and his precision ball-striking make him a favorite again. Whether it's money, majors, or milestones, 2025 is shaping up to be the year of Scottie Scheffler. Related: Scottie Scheffler's New Video Turning Heads Weeks Before The Open This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
