Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl is all smiles as he and his wife, actress Celeste Desjardins, shared heartwarming news with fans: the couple is expecting a new addition to their family. In a joyful announcement, Celeste expressed her excitement, writing, “Can’t wait for the rookie to join our team,” a playful nod to Draisaitl’s hockey career. The couple’s big reveal has sparked an outpouring of congratulations and well-wishes from across the hockey world and beyond.
Leon Draisaitl has long been known for delivering highlight-reel moments on the ice—his no-look passes, laser-precise shots, and game-changing performances have made him one of the NHL’s elite players. But this time, the Edmonton Oilers superstar is making headlines for something far more personal and deeply meaningful. Off the ice, Draisaitl recently shared a joyful moment with the world that goes far beyond hockey: he and his wife, actress Celeste Desjardins, are expecting a child.
The news broke through a charming social media post from Celeste, who revealed the couple’s growing family in a way that immediately captured hearts and stirred excitement across the hockey community. “Can’t wait for the rookie to join our team,” she wrote, blending humor and emotion in a single phrase that resonated not just with fans of the Oilers but with anyone who has followed their journey as a couple. The announcement was accompanied by a radiant photo, showing the two soon-to-be parents in a tender embrace, the kind that tells its own story without words.
Draisaitl, typically private about his personal life, appeared genuinely touched as the post circulated widely. The German-born forward, whose career has been defined by consistency, leadership, and loyalty to the Oilers, is now preparing for a new kind of role—fatherhood. While he’s long been a cornerstone of Edmonton’s offense and a pillar of strength in the locker room, he’ll soon be embracing new responsibilities, milestones, and moments that will reshape his perspective in profound ways.
The hockey world reacted swiftly. Teammates, former players, media figures, and fans flooded the post with comments of congratulations and well-wishes. Some joked that the Oilers may have just secured a future first-round draft pick. Others celebrated the couple’s journey with genuine warmth, recognizing that these kinds of personal milestones often mean more than any accolade or championship ring.
Celeste Desjardins, known for her acting career with roles in both film and television, has often been seen supporting Draisaitl from the stands. The two have always maintained a balance between public life and personal privacy, sharing just enough to remind fans of their bond without turning their relationship into a spectacle. Their love story, filled with quiet strength and mutual admiration, has now entered a new and exciting chapter—one that will bring sleepless nights, first steps, tiny skates, and countless cherished memories.
For Draisaitl, this moment comes at a significant point in his career. The Oilers are coming off another deep playoff run, and expectations for the 2025 season are sky-high. With Connor McDavid, Zach Hyman, and Evan Bouchard all hitting their stride, and with new additions fueling optimism, Edmonton is as close to a championship as it has been in decades. Draisaitl, a Hart Trophy winner and one of the league’s most respected centers, remains central to that mission. But now, alongside the pressure to win games and bring a Stanley Cup back to Alberta, he’ll be experiencing the pressure—and joy—of preparing for fatherhood.
For athletes, particularly those at the top of their profession, the demands of the game often consume every ounce of energy and attention. Travel, training, recovery, and mental preparation leave little room for anything else. Yet, becoming a parent has a way of shifting priorities and expanding the emotional depth of even the most focused individuals. Many professional athletes have spoken about how parenthood changed them—not by dulling their competitive edge, but by enriching their lives with a new purpose, a greater sense of balance, and an unshakeable motivation.
Draisaitl, who is widely regarded as one of the most thoughtful and grounded players in the NHL, seems well-equipped for this next phase. Those who know him best often describe him as intensely driven yet remarkably humble. His stoic demeanor hides a dry wit and deep compassion that teammates have long respected. It’s easy to imagine those traits translating well into fatherhood. He’s the type of person who will take diaper duty as seriously as a power play.
The Oilers organization has also welcomed the news warmly. It’s not unusual for a team to rally around one of their own during personal milestones, and Draisaitl’s announcement has brought a sense of shared celebration to the locker room. In a season that will undoubtedly bring its share of challenges, having something so meaningful to look forward to off the ice might just offer Draisaitl—and the team—a renewed sense of joy and focus.
Celeste, meanwhile, is navigating her own professional world with grace and momentum. A Canadian actress whose profile has grown steadily over the years, she brings creativity, passion, and warmth to her work and her life. Her relationship with Draisaitl has always felt like a partnership rooted in mutual respect, support, and shared values. As she steps into this new role as a mother, fans are already eager to see the journey unfold, not as spectators of celebrity but as followers of a story that feels relatable and sincere.
The world of professional sports can often seem like a separate universe—one defined by stats, contracts, rivalries, and fame. But moments like this remind us of the humanity behind the headlines. Draisaitl’s upcoming role as a father doesn’t just add a new layer to his public persona—it brings to light the deeply personal narrative of a young man growing, evolving, and embracing change in the most beautiful of ways.
In a world that often treats athletes like machines of performance, it’s refreshing to witness something so inherently human. The path ahead will bring joy, fatigue, laughter, and growth. Draisaitl and Celeste will be embarking on night feedings, first words, first steps, and eventually, maybe even the child’s first game at Rogers Place. For now, though, it’s enough to revel in the happiness they’ve shared and the future they’re preparing for.
This news also adds a softening dimension to the sometimes harsh glare of professional scrutiny. In Edmonton, where hockey is more than just a game and where players are under constant watch, fans now get to see a different side of one of their stars. It’s not about goals or assists—it’s about love, family, and the universal excitement of new life.
Draisaitl’s journey has already been one for the record books. From Cologne, Germany, to the top of the NHL, he’s carved out a legacy of skill, perseverance, and heart. But this next chapter promises to be just as rich and rewarding, even if it doesn’t come with a stat line or a trophy. As he continues to lead on the ice, he’ll now be leading in his home as well, guiding his growing family with the same strength and grace that has defined his career.
Fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on this story—not in the tabloid sense, but in the way that people follow stories of joy and transformation. There will be anticipation, curiosity, and plenty of well-wishes. And should Draisaitl score a goal and rock the baby in celebration next season, Rogers Place will likely erupt in cheers louder than ever.
For now, the Oilers community, the NHL, and sports fans across the world can simply take a moment to smile. Leon Draisaitl and Celeste Desjardins are about to experience life’s greatest adventure, and they’ve invited us—if only briefly—into that joy. Their team is growing by one, and whether that future “rookie” ever laces up skates or not, they’ll already be part of something special.
And for Leon, who has achieved so much on the ice, the most important goal may be just ahead of him—at home, with a tiny jersey waiting, and a future filled with love.
