The Edmonton Oilers’ struggling team can learn from Leon Draisaitl’s steadiness.
The Edmonton Oilers, a team known for its elite offensive firepower, have often found themselves on the edge of greatness, yet unable to fully reach the pinnacle of success. Over the years, their journey has been marked by struggles to balance their offensive prowess with the necessary defensive stability, leadership, and overall team cohesion. Despite these challenges, one constant source of excellence for the Oilers has been Leon Draisaitl.
Leon Draisaitl’s career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. As one of the NHL’s most consistent and dominant players, his skill set is well-rounded—spanning playmaking, goal-scoring, and faceoff excellence. However, it’s not just his statistics that make him an essential piece of the Oilers’ lineup; it’s his steadiness, leadership, and commitment to excellence, which have been pivotal for both the team’s success and the development of the team culture. Draisaitl’s calm under pressure and consistent performances have made him a valuable asset for the Oilers, and it’s this steadiness that his struggling team can learn from.
Draisaitl’s Consistency: A Model for Steadiness in a High-Pressure League
Leon Draisaitl’s career began in 2014, when the Oilers selected him with the third overall pick in the NHL Draft. Despite entering a franchise struggling with mediocrity, Draisaitl showed flashes of brilliance from the outset. His steady improvement each season has turned him into one of the top players in the world.
What makes Draisaitl’s journey particularly instructive for a team like the Oilers, which often fluctuates between high expectations and disappointing results, is his ability to remain consistently excellent. While the team around him has experienced ups and downs, Draisaitl’s production, both offensively and defensively, has remained stable.
In an environment like the NHL, where the pressure is immense and every game can swing the trajectory of a season, it is easy for players to get overwhelmed, particularly on a team that often underperforms. The Oilers’ inability to meet their potential year after year can have a negative psychological impact on the players. Yet, Draisaitl has remained unfazed, focusing on what he can control and allowing his performance to speak for itself. His steadiness as a player serves as a critical lesson for his teammates. In a team that often lacks consistency, Draisaitl’s unshakable nature is a source of inspiration.
Draisaitl’s approach to leadership, where actions speak louder than words, is especially crucial. Rather than resorting to fiery speeches or grand gestures, he leads by example, maintaining a level of professionalism that is infectious. His steadiness extends beyond the ice, where he displays composure in media interviews, avoiding the sensationalism that sometimes surrounds the team’s performances. This level-headedness and unflappable nature are traits that other players can learn from to keep their focus even when circumstances are tough.
Draisaitl’s Offensive Skills and Work Ethic: Leading by Example
Draisaitl’s offensive talents are well-documented. A playmaking wizard with a shot that rivals the league’s best, Draisaitl is a two-time Art Ross Trophy winner, awarded annually to the NHL’s leading scorer. Yet, while his statistics are certainly impressive, his true value lies in his work ethic and commitment to improvement.
One of the key aspects of Draisaitl’s game that stands out is his ability to generate offense, even when the team is struggling. For many players, a lack of success in the win column can lead to frustration and a dip in personal performance. However, Draisaitl’s offensive production has been remarkably steady, even in seasons where the Oilers as a team are underachieving. His vision on the ice and his ability to create scoring chances are not just a product of talent, but of tireless work on and off the ice.
For a team like the Oilers, where inconsistent performances have plagued their success over the years, Draisaitl’s ability to maintain a high level of play amidst challenges is an example of how focus, preparation, and discipline can lead to sustained excellence. His commitment to the process, rather than being swayed by the peaks and valleys of a long season, offers a blueprint for players who might be overwhelmed by the struggles around them.
More importantly, Draisaitl’s skillset is a model for what the Oilers can aspire to. His vision, hockey IQ, and ability to read plays as they develop are top-tier, and his calmness in high-pressure situations—whether it’s a 3-on-2 break, a faceoff in the defensive zone, or an overtime rush—sets him apart from other players. His skills in passing and receiving the puck, combined with his ability to make quick decisions under duress, elevate the performance of those around him.
For a team in flux, as the Oilers often are, a focus on such fundamentals can help create long-term success. If the entire roster were to approach the game with the same unyielding work ethic and attention to detail as Draisaitl, it’s possible that the team could break free from the patterns of underachievement that have defined much of their recent history.
The Oilers’ Need for Defensive Responsibility
While much of the focus in Edmonton has been on their offensive stars, such as Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, the team’s defensive struggles have often held them back. This has been a notable issue for the Oilers over the years. While the team can score goals in abundance, they have sometimes struggled to close games out or prevent the opposition from exploiting defensive lapses.
This is where Draisaitl’s all-around game becomes even more important. While he is undoubtedly known for his offensive exploits, Draisaitl is far from a one-dimensional player. He has developed into a well-rounded two-way forward, capable of playing in all situations—whether it’s on the power play, penalty kill, or late in a game with the score tight.
Draisaitl’s commitment to defense, despite being one of the league’s most lethal offensive players, is a critical lesson for the Oilers. In many instances, star players can become so focused on their offensive contributions that they neglect the finer points of defensive play. However, Draisaitl has always placed a significant emphasis on making the right plays in his own end. Whether it’s backchecking, playing smart positional hockey, or providing support to his defensemen, Draisaitl’s defensive awareness is another area that could rub off on the rest of the team.
For the Oilers, learning from Draisaitl’s well-rounded game means understanding that defense and offense are not mutually exclusive. A more balanced approach to team play will help them thrive in a league that demands adaptability. Draisaitl’s ability to contribute in all three zones sets the bar for what is possible if players are willing to develop their full skill set, even if it means stepping outside of their comfort zones.
Leadership Under Pressure
Another area where Draisaitl’s steadiness shines is in leadership. While not as vocal as some of his peers, Draisaitl leads with actions rather than words. His ability to maintain focus and elevate his performance when the team needs it most is a characteristic that the Oilers can greatly benefit from.
Leadership is often associated with the ability to speak to teammates, inspire them, or deliver motivating speeches. However, Draisaitl’s version of leadership is more subtle. When the Oilers are in the midst of a losing streak, it’s not uncommon to see Draisaitl rise to the occasion, contributing key goals and assists in the most critical moments. In doing so, he not only lifts the team with his play but sets an example of how to handle adversity.
In a team that sometimes lacks consistency in leadership, having a player like Draisaitl—who approaches the game with a professional demeanor and unwavering commitment—is invaluable. His steadiness in the face of challenges sends a message to his teammates about how to handle pressure, how to remain composed, and how to focus on the tasks at hand. For a team like the Oilers, who often fluctuate between hope and disappointment, Draisaitl’s leadership serves as a model of how to stay grounded, even in the face of adversity.
The Oilers’ Path Forward
The Edmonton Oilers are a team full of talent but still searching for the balance that can lead them to long-term success. Despite the offensive brilliance of players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the team has often faltered in their efforts to become a true Stanley Cup contender. For the Oilers to take the next step, they need to adopt the mindset of steadiness that Draisaitl exemplifies.
Draisaitl’s consistency, work ethic, two-way play, and leadership offer valuable lessons for the Oilers as they seek to break free from the cycle of underachievement. By focusing on steadiness, improving defensive responsibility, and continuing to develop as well-rounded players, the Oilers can finally take the next step in their journey to championship contention.
As a team, the Oilers have the tools to succeed. What they now need is the same level of commitment and steady excellence that Leon Draisaitl has shown throughout his career. If they can learn from Draisaitl’s example, they might just find the consistency they need to transform their potential into championship success.