It’s a common sentiment among hockey fans and analysts alike, particularly those who have followed the Edmonton Oilers through their often tumultuous journey: “I’m shocked that he’s going.” The “he” in this context refers to Leon Draisaitl, the magnificent German center whose impending free agency in 2026 has become the elephant in the room for the Oilers, even as they contend for the Stanley Cup. The idea that such a cornerstone player, a Hart Trophy and Art Ross Trophy winner, a dominant force alongside Connor McDavid, could genuinely leave Edmonton is almost unfathomable to many. Yet, the question lingers, fueled by the cold realities of the salary cap, the desire for individual legacy, and the potential for a fresh challenge.
The transformation of Leon Draisaitl from a highly touted prospect into a bonafide playoff performer and one of the NHL’s most dominant players is a narrative intrinsically linked to the Oilers’ own fluctuating fortunes. While Connor McDavid rightly garners much of the spotlight, Draisaitl’s ascent has been just as crucial to Edmonton’s rise from perennial lottery team to Stanley Cup contender. And it’s precisely this journey, this arduous climb through years of underperformance and coaching changes, that shapes the current speculation about his future.
Draisaitl was drafted third overall in 2014, a year before McDavid arrived. His early career was a mix of flashes of brilliance and inconsistent application, typical of a young player adjusting to the rigors of the NHL. He showed immense skill, powerful shot, and excellent vision, but the consistent two-way play and relentless drive that define him today were still developing.
The turning point for Draisaitl, the moment he truly began to blossom into the “playoff player” we recognize, didn’t come with a single coaching change, but rather through a series of evolutionary steps in his own game, often catalyzed by the constant shifts in the Oilers’ coaching carousel. When the team was struggling to find an identity, various coaches tried to mold Draisaitl into different roles. He played wing with McDavid, he centered his own line, he was asked to be more defensively responsible, then more offensively aggressive. This constant adaptation, while perhaps frustrating at times, forced him to develop a more complete and versatile game.
However, if one were to pinpoint a specific moment or coaching influence that unlocked his “playoff player” mentality, it would be the cumulative effect of the coaching changes that slowly instilled a more disciplined, two-way identity into the Oilers. Prior to the current era, the Oilers were often criticized for being too reliant on offensive fireworks, neglecting defensive responsibilities. This was true even for their star players. Draisaitl, under the guidance of multiple coaches, began to understand that his immense offensive talent needed to be coupled with a relentless defensive effort and a willingness to engage in the gritty, physical aspects of playoff hockey.
The arrival of coaches like Ken Hitchcock, who emphasized structure and accountability, even for the stars, played a role. Then came Dave Tippett, who, alongside his staff, continued to preach a more responsible defensive game. Draisaitl, under these regimes, started to consistently backcheck harder, win more puck battles along the boards, and utilize his immense strength to protect the puck in all three zones. He learned to leverage his big body not just for offense but also for winning defensive zone draws and grinding down opponents.
But perhaps the most significant catalyst for Draisaitl’s consistent playoff emergence has been the coaching of Kris Knoblauch, who took over as head coach during the 2023-2024 season. While Draisaitl was already a superstar, Knoblauch’s arrival, along with the defensive improvements implemented by his staff (and the contributions of players like Mattias Ekholm), has created a more cohesive and defensively sound team structure around Draisaitl and McDavid. This improved defensive foundation has allowed Draisaitl to play his offensive game with more freedom and confidence, knowing that the team’s overall system is more robust.
Under Knoblauch, the Oilers have embraced a more direct, aggressive, yet still defensively responsible style. For Draisaitl, this meant he could lean into his physical attributes even more. He became an absolute beast in the playoffs, consistently demonstrating his ability to rise to the occasion. He is not just a scorer; he is a power forward who can take over games by sheer will. His puck protection is elite, his ability to absorb contact and still make plays is unparalleled, and his shot is a weapon from anywhere in the offensive zone.
In the playoffs, where space is at a premium and every inch is contested, Draisaitl’s game thrives. He doesn’t shy away from the physical grind. In fact, he often seeks it out. He’s willing to go to the dirty areas, absorb hits to make a play, and win battles along the boards. This is what truly separates the “playoff player” from the regular-season scorer, and Draisaitl embodies it. His points often come from plays where he has to outmuscle defenders, retrieve pucks from difficult positions, or battle in front of the net. He’s become a master of the “Net Front Presence” on the power play, a critical element in Edmonton’s devastating man advantage.
Now, back to the “I’m shocked that he’s going” sentiment. Draisaitl is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026. He will be 31 years old at that point, still in his prime, and in line for one of the largest contracts in NHL history. The Oilers face an unprecedented salary cap crunch. McDavid’s contract is massive, and other key players like Evan Bouchard will also need new deals. There’s a very real possibility that the Oilers simply cannot afford to keep Draisaitl at the market value he will command, especially if they win the Stanley Cup, which would only inflate his price tag.
The emotional connection between Draisaitl and McDavid, the “dynamic duo,” is often cited as a reason he might stay. They have achieved so much together, endured so much, and are now on the precipice of ultimate glory. Yet, professional sports are also a business. Draisaitl, a proud and fiercely competitive player, might also be contemplating his individual legacy. Does he want to spend his entire career as “McDavid’s wingman” (even though he’s a magnificent center in his own right, often playing wing on the top line to create their super-duo)? Or does he desire to be the undisputed alpha, the face of his own franchise, leading a team to glory elsewhere? The allure of being the undisputed top dog in a different city, with a massive new contract, could be a powerful draw.
Furthermore, the continuous pressure and scrutiny in Edmonton, despite their recent success, have been intense. The years of “wasted” McDavid years, the constant coaching changes, the pressure to deliver – it’s a heavy burden. A fresh start, even if it means leaving a comfortable and successful situation, might appeal to him for a variety of reasons, personal and professional.
So, while the idea of Draisaitl leaving Edmonton is indeed shocking to many, it’s a very real possibility shaped by his evolution into a complete playoff player, the impending financial realities for the Oilers, and the complex motivations of a superstar athlete navigating his prime years. No matter what happens, his transformation under various coaching influences, culminating in his dominant playoff performances under Kris Knoblauch, has cemented his status as one of the NHL’s truly elite and indispensable talents. The Oilers will fight tooth and nail to keep him, but the allure of free agency and a potential new chapter will loom large until a new contract, or a departure, becomes official.
