2024–25 Edmonton Oilers Player Grades: Leon Draisaitl

Leon Draisaitl’s strengths in 2024–25

Looking at Draisaitl’s overall season performance, it is clear that his biggest strength was goal scoring. He led the entire NHL in goal scoring with 52. With this, Draisaitl secured his first-ever victory of the Maurice Rocket Richard Trophy. The forward is always in the hunt for the Richard Trophy, but Auston Matthews has stood in his way during previous seasons.

Another key strength for Draisaitl during this season was clutch scoring. He was a player that the Oilers could constantly rely on when the game was close. The 29-year-old had 11 game-winning goals this season, leading the league and tying his old record. In previous seasons, the Oilers have been called “power play merchants.” This means that they can only score when they have been given numerous power plays. This was completely thrown out the window this season, as Draisaitl scored 36 even-strength goals, his most in a single season. He only scored 16 power play goals, proving what a dominant force he can be at even strength.

Draisaitl was the leader of the Edmonton Oilers this season. He was better than Connor McDavid and was nearly the NHL’s MVP for the regular season. The Oilers are in a good spot, and they will be hungry to finally win a Stanley Cup in 2026.

Leon Draisaitl’s weaknesses

There is genuinely not much to say about weakness in Draisaitl’s game. The only weakness that can be mentioned is his ability to show up in the late stages of the Stanley Cup Final. Draisaitl was clutch all season long until Games 5 and 6 of the Final. The Florida Panthers were able to shut him and McDavid down, proving again why they are the best team in the league. Once again, the Oilers will simply have to try again next season.

Leon Draisaitl’s player grade

Seeing the magic that Draisaitl can show on the ice, he easily gets an A+ for this season’s performance. He remains a nearly unstoppable force in Edmonton and has shown his commitment to the Oilers organization with his contract extension. The significant question to ask now is, has Leon Draisaitl hit his peak? He will turn 30-years-old in October of next season. Time will tell how long Draisaitl can remain one of the league’s best goal scorers.

Expectations for 2025–26

For any expectations in the next season, I believe Draisaitl will be another candidate for the Hart Trophy. It is tough to simply predict the winner even before September, but there is no doubt in my mind that Draisaitl will remain a serious threat to all teams in the NHL.

Is there a chance that the forward could hit the 60-goal plateau for the first time? I truly believe so. It will be interesting to see whether or not Draisaitl plays alongside rookie Isaac Howard, who was recently acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Howard won the 2025 Hobey Baker Memorial Award for being the best men’s NCAA hockey player. The Oilers traded prospect Sam O’Rielly for him one-for-one. Howard now joins Matthew Savoie as one of two rookies with a great chance to play alongside Draisaitl next season.

Up Next: 2024–25 Edmonton Oilers Player Grades: Darnell Nurse