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Knoblauch Not Surprised: Draisaitl Does This Every Time

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Old Prof | Last updated Jan 24, 2026 4:11 PM ET

Sometimes you think a player might need a minute to catch up or maybe ease back in. Then they just show up and do everything anyway? That’s Leon Draisaitl in a nutshell, and Kris Knoblauch can’t help but shake his head.

Draisaitl Missed Some Games for Personal Reasons, But He’s Back

Draisaitl missed a few games for personal reasons, but he was back Thursday against Pittsburgh. Jet-lagged, tired, straight off a long flight—and still 20 logging minutes on the ice, four shots, reminding everyone why he’s a nightmare for any goalie.

Knoblauch didn’t think Leon would be totally dialled in, but he wasn’t surprised either when Draisaitl still made an impact. ‘I’ve been surprised before when he wasn’t at his best,’ he said. That’s Leon for you—always finds a way.

Draisaitl Didn’t Score on Thursday, But Watch Out Tonight

Draisaitl didn’t score Thursday, but he was everywhere you wanted him. He was skating, finding openings, setting up McDavid, keeping the other team on edge. Knoblauch stressed it: just having Leon back in the lineup, even if he’s not fully dialled in, makes a real difference. It’s stabilizing, energizing, and reminds the league that the Oilers still have a serious weapon.

What’s more, it’s how Draisaitl handles the messy stuff that impresses. Flying all day, coming off a personal leave, stepping right into game action—and still showing up ready to compete? That’s not something you see every day, and Knoblauch knows it.

Knoblauch noted that, “Whether he’s 100% tonight, I don’t know,” he said. “But I’ve seen him surprise me before, and I expect nothing less.”

Draisaitl Doesn’t Need Ideal Conditions to Play Well

Fans know it too. Draisaitl doesn’t need ideal conditions to make a difference. He’s the guy who can take a tricky week and turn it into solid contributions, even when you might expect him to be off his game. And for the Oilers, having that kind of presence on the ice—especially tonight against Washington—is exactly what you want.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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