Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl named captain of Team Germany

Originally posted on Oilersnation | By Michael Menzies | Last updated Feb 9, 2026 5:15 PM ET

Captain Germany.

The Edmonton Oilers star forward Leon Draisaitl was named the captain of Team Germany on Monday, cementing his status as an athletic icon in his native country.

Earlier, Draisaitl was chosen as a flagbearer at the Milan-Cortina Opening Ceremonies by the German Olympic Committee, arriving at the games before teammate and now rival Connor McDavid.

He waved the black, red, and gold flag with pride alongside ski jumper Katharina Schmid on Friday, as Germany has been a consistent medal-winning force of late at the Winter Olympics.

Germany won the third-most medals in the 2022 Olympics and the second-most medals in 2018, including a men’s hockey silver medal. They lost in the gold medal match to the Olympic Athletes from Russia in PyeongChang.

The rest of the leadership group features Moritz Seider and Tim Stützle as assistant captains.

Feb 6, 2026; Milan, ITALY; Athletes from Germany are led by flag bearer Leon Draisaitl during the Opening Ceremony for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Draisaitl will aim to add the men’s hockey team to that medal-winning push with the best German team ever assembled.

This is the first time since 2019 that Draisaitl will represent his country. He’s played in five World Championships: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Draisaitl is set to suit up with Edmonton Oilers teammate Josh Samanski at their first Olympics together. Team Germany will also feature former Oilers in Dominik Kahun and Tobias Rieder.

Germany’s group sees them pitted against the United States, Latvia, and Denmark.

Germany men’s hockey schedule:

Thursday vs Denmark at 1:10PM
Saturday vs Latvia at 4:10AM
Sunday vs United States at 1:10PM

McDavid, meanwhile, will wear the “A” as an assistant captain for Team Canada, it was announced on Sunday. He took line rushes with Macklin Celebrini and Tom Wilson at Canada’s first skate together.

Team Canada’s group features Czechia, Switzerland, and France. Canada begins group play on Thursday morning against Czechia, playing Switzerland on Friday, and France on Sunday.

This article first appeared on Oilersnation and was syndicated with permission.

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