Leon Draisaitl’s recent surge busting Oilers’ sluggish start to season

While the first month of the season for the Edmonton Oilers has left more to be desired, again, one of their star players is doing what he can to turn the team’s fortunes around.

Despite a less-than-ideal start, Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl was a key part in helping the team light up the scoreboard last week. Despite only getting a split in games against the Columbus Blue Jackets and Carolina Hurricanes, the reigning Rocket Richard Trophy winner played well. After scoring two goals in a 5-4 loss to the Blue Jackets on Thursday, the German star posted three points in a victory over the Hurricanes, scoring the game-winner in overtime.

Draisaitl sits second on the Oilers in scoring with 13 goals and 10 assists for 23 points, only trailing captain Connor McDavid.

On Monday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Tyler Yaremchuk and Carter Hutton discussed how Draisaitl’s play is getting the Oilers on the right track.

Tyler Yaremchuk: He’s played his best hockey of the year, and that’s just vintage Leon Drstuff. … We talked about how he was bringing pucks to the middle of the ice, not shooting. He was drifting away from the areas where he can score in the offensive zone. Draisaitl turned on the jets the last couple of nights for the Oilers and it should have Oilers fans believing that this team’s going to get things right back on track. It’s funny to look at a guy like that who’s got 23 points in 20 games and you’re like, ‘Oh, he’s slumping,’ but like he was slumping. Turned on the jets the last couple of games, and Leon Draisaitl is back to looking like himself.

Carter Hutton: As expected, right? I feel like we all knew he would get there…it’s a little bit of panic, rightfully so. But stars are stars. There’s a reason why Leon and Connor produce like they can. He answered the call here to get this team trying to trend in the right direction again.

You can watch the full segment and entire episode here…