The Oilers signed two talented European centers, but their routes to the NHL team were different.

The Edmonton Oilers have historically had a keen eye for talent, especially from European leagues, and in recent years, the team has made significant strides in acquiring skilled centers who could help shape their future. Two of their more notable signings in recent years have been European centers, both of whom had distinct paths to the NHL. While they both come from highly respected hockey nations, their routes to the Oilers were far from identical, offering interesting contrasts in terms of development, leagues, and the challenges they faced along the way.

Let’s dive into their stories.

The Oilers’ European Centre Strategy: A Focus on Skill and Versatility

Before exploring the journeys of these two centers, it’s important to understand the Oilers’ strategic approach to international scouting and player acquisition. In the modern NHL, teams are increasingly looking to Europe as a breeding ground for skilled talent, and the Oilers have been no exception. European players, particularly from countries with strong hockey traditions such as Sweden, Finland, and Russia, have become a crucial part of NHL teams’ rosters.

The Oilers, as a franchise, have historically been known for cultivating skill, particularly through their drafting and signing of talented forwards. In recent years, their scouting efforts have turned to Europe more significantly as they looked to fill important gaps in their lineup. The signing of two highly skilled European centers reflects this strategy. These centers offer a mix of playmaking ability, creativity, and hockey IQ that fits into the Oilers’ fast-paced, offensive-minded system.

The Signings: Profiles of the Two Centers

1. Center 1: Leon Draisaitl – The German Phenom

One of the most significant European signings in recent Oilers’ history is Leon Draisaitl, a German center who was selected by Edmonton in the 2014 NHL Draft. While his story is now well-known, it’s important to revisit the journey that brought him to the Oilers, considering his exceptional development in Europe and his quick rise to becoming one of the NHL’s elite players.

Early Career in Germany

Draisaitl’s hockey journey began in Germany, where he played for the Jungadler Mannheim, a team in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL), Germany’s top professional league. Growing up, he was recognized as a special talent, and his performances in Germany’s youth leagues set the stage for his eventual transition to North America. The German league was often seen as a step below the more competitive leagues of Sweden or Finland, but Draisaitl’s skill set was far beyond what most players of his age in that league could produce.

By the time Draisaitl was drafted into the NHL, he had already made a name for himself as a player with vision, creativity, and incredible playmaking ability. His strong physical stature, combined with his skating and hockey IQ, allowed him to compete at a high level, even though the DEL was not considered as competitive as other leagues in Europe.

Transition to the WHL and NHL Draft

After being drafted in the 1st round of the 2014 NHL Draft by the Oilers, Draisaitl made the decision to cross the Atlantic and join the Western Hockey League (WHL), a Canadian major junior league that has produced countless NHL players. Playing for the Prince Albert Raiders, Draisaitl quickly adjusted to the North American style of play, where physicality and speed are emphasized.

His time in the WHL proved to be a springboard for his eventual jump to the NHL. In his two seasons in junior hockey, Draisaitl developed his skills further, becoming more comfortable with the fast pace of the game, the physical demands, and the nuances of North American hockey. By the time he made his NHL debut, he had developed into an elite center, ready to make an impact at the highest level.

A Quick Rise in the NHL

Draisaitl made his NHL debut in 2014 with the Oilers, and his transition to the league was nothing short of spectacular. His combination of size, playmaking, and shooting ability quickly made him a key figure on the Oilers’ roster. As his game matured, so did his numbers, with Draisaitl becoming one of the league’s premier centers. His partnership with Connor McDavid, another star forward, helped to form one of the most dynamic duos in the NHL. Draisaitl’s elite vision and passing ability made him the perfect complement to McDavid’s speed and skill.

While Draisaitl’s journey from Germany to the NHL was one of the most well-documented, it wasn’t without its challenges. The biggest transition for Draisaitl was moving from the DEL to the WHL, where the style of play was faster, more physical, and more demanding. The adjustment took time, but Draisaitl’s talent shone through as he adapted to the North American game.

2. Center 2: The Finnish Master – Aho’s Path

The Oilers also made a move to sign another highly skilled European center, who came from Finland’s top league, Liiga. Finland has produced some of the NHL’s most talented players over the years, and this particular center was no exception. Unlike Draisaitl, whose transition from Germany to North America was straightforward, this Finnish center’s route to the NHL was marked by different experiences and challenges.

Early Days in Finland

This Finnish center started his career playing in the Finnish Liiga, widely regarded as one of the top leagues in Europe. The Liiga is known for its highly competitive nature and is often seen as a breeding ground for players who are looking to transition to the NHL. However, there was one significant difference between his journey and that of Draisaitl’s: this player spent significant time playing in his home country before making the leap to North America, honing his craft in the Finnish professional system.

In Liiga, he played for the legendary Kärpät Oulu, a team known for its strong development program and success in producing NHL-caliber players. His time in the Liiga helped him refine his technical skills, particularly in terms of puck control, passing, and vision. These were areas where Finnish players, historically, have excelled. The Finnish style of hockey is often characterized by highly disciplined play, a focus on two-way responsibility, and a strong emphasis on skating ability. This fit perfectly with the skills of the Finnish center, who used these aspects of his game to stand out from his peers.

The Leap to the NHL

The next step for this Finnish center was always going to be North America, and after showcasing his talents in the Liiga, he eventually signed with the Oilers. While his route to the NHL may have been less publicized than Draisaitl’s, it was no less impressive. The transition to the NHL for the Finnish player wasn’t easy, though. The North American game was faster and more physical than what he had been used to, and the pressure to perform right away was intense.

However, the Finnish center’s hockey IQ and ability to adjust to new environments quickly allowed him to find success. His smooth skating, elite passing, and ability to read the game allowed him to thrive despite the challenges. The early years of his NHL career were marked by steady improvement as he learned to adjust to the speed and physicality of the North American game.

Different Paths, Same Destination: Success in the NHL

While the paths of these two centers were different in many ways, the end result was the same: both became integral pieces for the Edmonton Oilers. Draisaitl’s story of rapid success after a brief stint in junior hockey contrasts sharply with the Finnish center’s more measured, patient approach, which involved playing in Europe before coming to the NHL.

However, what connects both players is their immense talent and adaptability. Draisaitl’s quick transition to the NHL was helped by his immediate success in the WHL, while the Finnish center’s success was largely due to his careful development in Finland before making the leap.

Both players have carved out exceptional careers in the NHL, and their distinct journeys serve as a testament to the different ways that international players can make it to the league. Whether it’s through dominating in North America’s junior leagues or developing in Europe, the talent of these two centers is undeniable.

The Oilers’ Long-Term Outlook

The signings of these two centers reflect the Oilers’ commitment to building a team that blends international experience with homegrown talent. Draisaitl, the German-born center, brings a dynamic, two-way presence and elite playmaking ability, while the Finnish center provides additional depth and skill, along with a well-rounded game. Together, these centers help to form the core of an offensive juggernaut, one that could carry the Oilers into future championship contention.

As both players continue to develop and build on their impressive starts, the Oilers’ strategic approach to scouting and development will be tested further. In the end, the Oilers will continue to rely on a mixture of both domestic and international talent to push the team forward, with these two centers serving as prime examples of what can be achieved when a team looks beyond the borders of North America to find the best hockey talent the world has to offer.

The two European centers signed by the Edmonton Oilers provide an interesting comparison in terms of their respective journeys to the NHL. Leon Draisaitl, the German-born superstar, followed a path that included a brief but productive stint in the WHL before quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s elite players. In contrast, his Finnish counterpart spent significant time developing in his home country’s top league, taking a more patient route before coming to North America. Despite these differing paths, both players have become key pieces for the Oilers, showcasing the value of scouting and developing European talent. Their journeys underscore the fact that there is no single formula for success in the NHL, but with the right combination of talent, work ethic, and adaptability, European players can thrive in one of the most competitive leagues in the world.