Leon Draisaitl has been the best defensive player in the league this year. Just insane how much he limits goals against. +23 on 5vs5 in 35 games.
Looks like those results are mainly due to strong goaltending while he’s on the ice. McDavid actually allows less chances against but seems to be a bit unlucky with goaltending. (All stats per 60)
[TABLE="class: brtb_item_table"][TBODY][TR][TD][/TD]
[TD]GA[/TD][TD]SA[/TD][TD]CA[/TD][TD]xGA[/TD][TD]on ice SV%[/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD]McDavid[/TD][TD]2.68[/TD][TD]29.15[/TD][TD]52.53[/TD][TD]2.31[/TD][TD]90.79[/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD]Draisaitl[/TD][TD]1.77[/TD][TD]31.19[/TD][TD]55.74[/TD][TD]2.71[/TD][TD]94.34[/TD][/TR][/TBODY][/TABLE]
Comparing Draisaitl this season to the last couple, he allows a similar number of xGA/60 to prior years but his on ice Sv% has increased quite a bit.
[TABLE="class: brtb_item_table"][TBODY][TR][TD]Season[/TD][TD]GA[/TD][TD]xGA[/TD][TD]on ice SV%[/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD]17-18[/TD][TD]3.25[/TD][TD]2.61[/TD][TD]89.59[/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD]18-19[/TD][TD]3.19[/TD][TD]2.86[/TD][TD]90.62[/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD]19-20[/TD][TD]3.2[/TD][TD]2.92[/TD][TD]90.64[/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD]20-21[/TD][TD]1.77[/TD][TD]2.71[/TD][TD]94.34[/TD][/TR][/TBODY][/TABLE]
I think his +\- has more to do with how strong he is offensively, as well as how good goaltending has been while he’s on the ice, than his defensive game.