Leon Draisaitl: Germany’s Hockey Icon Leads National Charge at Milano Cortina 2026

MILAN, 14 February 2026 — As the Winter Olympics in Italy reach a fever pitch, all eyes are on Leon Draisaitl. The Edmonton Oilers superstar and Cologne native has transitioned from his NHL duties to lead the German national team as captain, marking what many analysts are calling a “passing of the torch” for German ice hockey. Following a brief injury scare just last week, Draisaitl has returned to the ice in spectacular form, proving why he remains one of the most clinical finishers in the world.

Olympic Brilliance: Draisaitl Ignites Germany’s Campaign

The German national team opened their Group C campaign with a statement 3-1 victory over Denmark this past Thursday. Draisaitl wasted no time making his mark, scoring just 23 seconds into the game. He finished the match with a goal and two assists, including a vital contribution on the power play. This performance was particularly significant as it marked Draisaitl’s first-ever Olympic goal, setting a high bar for the remainder of the tournament.

Before arriving in Milan, there were concerns regarding his fitness. Draisaitl missed three NHL games for the Edmonton Oilers earlier in February due to an undisclosed injury. However, his return to the Oilers’ lineup on 12 February—where he centred a line between Vasily Podkolzin and Jack Roslovic—confirmed he was ready for international duty. Draisaitl has expressed that his primary motivation is securing a medal for Germany and growing the sport’s popularity in his home country.

A Decade of NHL Dominance

Leon Draisaitl’s journey to becoming the “German Gretzky” began in 2014 when he was drafted third overall by the Edmonton Oilers, making him the highest-drafted German-trained player in NHL history. Over the last 11 seasons, he has established himself as a perennial MVP candidate and one of the league’s premier power forwards.

Career Milestones and Statistics

As of early 2026, Draisaitl has surpassed the elite 1,000-point threshold. His career is defined by remarkable consistency and peak performances, notably the 2019-20 season where he swept the major awards.

The Power Play Specialist

Draisaitl is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous players on the power play in hockey history. His ability to hold the puck on his backhand and deliver “saucer” passes, combined with a lethal one-timer from the right face-off circle, has made the Edmonton Oilers’ special teams a historic force. In the 2022-23 season alone, he recorded 32 power-play goals, one of the highest single-season totals in league history.

The Road Ahead: Milano Cortina and Beyond

While Draisaitl’s NHL contract and future with the Oilers—alongside long-time teammate Connor McDavid—remain a constant topic of media speculation, his immediate focus is the Olympic podium. Germany, often viewed as underdogs against powerhouses like Canada and Sweden, relies heavily on Draisaitl’s leadership and elite playmaking. With the “defensively-sound Finns” and “talented Swedes” looming in the knockout stages, Draisaitl’s form will dictate Germany’s chances of repeating their 2018 silver-medal heroics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many points does Leon Draisaitl have in the NHL?

As of mid-January 2026, Leon Draisaitl has amassed 1,019 regular-season points, consisting of 422 goals and 597 assists across 835 games.

Has Leon Draisaitl won a Stanley Cup?

As of February 2026, Leon Draisaitl has not yet won a Stanley Cup. He reached the Stanley Cup Finals with the Edmonton Oilers in 2024, but the team fell just short in a seven-game series.

Is Leon Draisaitl playing in the 2026 Olympics?

Yes, Leon Draisaitl is currently serving as the captain for Team Germany at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. He scored his first Olympic goal on 12 February 2026, against Denmark.

What awards has Leon Draisaitl won?

Draisaitl won the Hart Memorial Trophy (League MVP), the Art Ross Trophy (Leading Scorer), and the Ted Lindsay Award (Most Outstanding Player as voted by peers) following the 2019-20 NHL season. He is also a multi-time winner of the German Player of the Year award.