Former Edmonton Oilers teammates Evander Kane, Warren Foegele, and Connor Brown were among the guests in attendance at the wedding of Leon Draisaitl and Celeste Desjardins, held in a picturesque ceremony in France.
In a celebration that seamlessly blended elegance, romance, and star power, former Edmonton Oilers forwards Evander Kane, Warren Foegele, and Connor Brown made headlines as they reunited in France to attend the much-anticipated wedding of their longtime teammate and friend, Leon Draisaitl, and his bride, Canadian actress Celeste Desjardins. The picturesque ceremony, held at a stunning château nestled in the French countryside, was as much a reflection of Draisaitl’s rise to hockey superstardom as it was a testament to enduring friendship, love, and legacy both on and off the ice.
Draisaitl, widely considered one of the best players of his generation, has spent over a decade etching his name into the annals of NHL history. His on-ice vision, elite scoring ability, and commanding presence have earned him accolades, All-Star selections, and the respect of hockey fans worldwide. But beyond the packed arenas and intense matchups, this summer gave him a moment to bask in something deeply personal—tying the knot with the woman he has publicly adored for years. Celeste Desjardins, an accomplished actress known for her roles in film and television, brought her own touch of glamor and authenticity to the affair. Their relationship, often kept relatively private, has long drawn admiration for its down-to-earth nature despite their lives in the public eye.
The choice of France as the destination for their nuptials was no accident. Known for its romantic ambiance, timeless architecture, and refined culture, the French countryside offered the perfect setting for a couple that balances fame with grace. Guests were treated to a weekend of lavish events, from a rehearsal dinner on the terrace of an ivy-covered villa to a post-wedding brunch overlooking rolling vineyards. The ceremony itself was held in a historic estate surrounded by manicured gardens, with the scent of lavender in the air and the summer sun bathing the scene in golden light.
Among the most talked-about guests were Evander Kane, Warren Foegele, and Connor Brown—former Oilers who not only shared locker rooms with Draisaitl but forged strong friendships through the highs and lows of NHL seasons. Their presence at the wedding underscored the deep camaraderie that extends beyond contracts, trades, and statistics. Each of them made the journey to France not just out of loyalty, but out of genuine affection for Draisaitl, a player known for his quiet leadership and loyal inner circle.
Kane, known for his physical play and scoring punch, shared a strong on-ice chemistry with Draisaitl during their time in Edmonton. Off the ice, the two developed a rapport grounded in mutual respect and shared ambition. At the wedding, Kane was seen chatting warmly with guests, smiling broadly during the ceremony, and raising a toast to the couple during the reception. Dressed in a tailored dark suit with a crisp white shirt and minimalist tie, Kane exuded the same confidence off the ice that has made him a polarizing yet undeniably impactful figure in professional hockey.
Warren Foegele, who had carved out a reputation as a dependable two-way winger in Edmonton, also made the trip overseas. Known among teammates for his dry humor and easygoing nature, Foegele’s attendance was a nod to the kind of locker-room culture Draisaitl helped foster: inclusive, tightly knit, and built on trust. At the wedding, Foegele was seen laughing during speeches, participating in a group photo with other NHLers, and dancing during the afterparty that stretched into the early morning hours. His appearance reminded everyone that while players may change jerseys, the bonds formed in the trenches of the NHL often last a lifetime.
Connor Brown, a fellow Canadian and skilled forward who had a brief stint in Edmonton, rounded out the trio. Despite limited time on the roster, Brown and Draisaitl connected quickly, both on and off the ice. Brown, who has played for several NHL franchises, has often spoken about the importance of chemistry and respect in building a winning culture. At the wedding, Brown’s demeanor reflected that ethos: quietly supportive, warm, and visibly happy for the couple. He stood beside Kane and Foegele during several moments throughout the evening, sharing stories, clinking glasses, and reminiscing about their time in Edmonton.
The guest list extended beyond former teammates, of course. Several current NHL stars, friends from Draisaitl’s youth in Germany, and colleagues from Desjardins’ acting career were also present, creating a blend of cultures, professions, and experiences. It was a scene that mirrored the international and multifaceted nature of Draisaitl and Desjardins’ lives. With speeches delivered in both English and German, and music selections ranging from classic French ballads to contemporary hits, the wedding was a carefully curated experience that honored their roots while celebrating their future.
One of the most touching moments of the ceremony came during the exchange of vows. Draisaitl, typically reserved in public settings, spoke from the heart about his admiration for Desjardins’ resilience, spirit, and kindness. In turn, Desjardins praised Draisaitl’s humility, work ethic, and unwavering support throughout their relationship. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as the couple sealed their vows with a kiss, followed by thunderous applause from friends and family.
The reception that followed was nothing short of spectacular. Set beneath a canopy of lights and surrounded by towering trees wrapped in silk ribbons, guests dined on a multi-course French meal featuring local delicacies and fine wines. The couple’s first dance was set to a live string quartet, after which the energy shifted dramatically with a DJ taking over and filling the dance floor with high-energy tracks. Kane, Foegele, and Brown were among the last to leave the dance floor, relishing the rare opportunity to celebrate without the pressures of training camps, media scrums, or playoff races.
What stood out throughout the night was how seamlessly hockey culture and celebrity glamour could intertwine without overshadowing the essence of the event. While it was undeniably a star-studded occasion, it remained deeply human at its core—about love, support, and celebration. Draisaitl’s teammates, past and present, weren’t just guests—they were symbols of the relationships that have shaped him into the man and player he is today.
Even in a world where athletes often come and go from teams, where trades can break up friendships and off-seasons are short-lived, moments like these prove that the NHL brotherhood runs deeper than many realize. Kane, Foegele, and Brown didn’t just show up; they showed love, appreciation, and respect for a teammate who clearly meant something far greater than just numbers on a stat sheet.
As the weekend came to a close, guests began departing with memories of a wedding that felt both timeless and uniquely modern. Draisaitl and Desjardins stood on the steps of the château, waving goodbye as a light breeze stirred the trees and the French sun set behind them. It marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another—one where Draisaitl’s story will no longer be told only in terms of goals and assists, but in partnership, shared dreams, and a life built with someone by his side.
And as the former Oilers disappeared into the crowd, bound for their respective destinations, it was clear that their bond with Draisaitl would endure—across continents, across seasons, and long after the final buzzer sounds.
