Leon Draisaitl is not having a good season, he's having a great season

[Romang67]

He's doing what he does every year and the same people keep saying it's because of someone else. Let me be clear it's not and he's been this damn good for awhile now. He's been in the top 5 players and as high as 2 for over 5 years for me. Guys a stud.

I disagree. In the three years before this, Draisaitl without McDavid hovered around 50% xGF%, and a decent but not great 52% GF% (compared to almost 60% xGF and GF with him). That sample is around 2500 minutes of 5v5 hockey.

This year he's at almost 57% xGF%. The Oilers are crushing teams when he's on the ice, with or without McDavid.

 

[notbias]

We always knew what he could do offensively, I didn’t not have Drai becoming an elite defensive player at 29 years old in my books. My guess is that he saw 7 games of Barkov up close and personal last June and something clicked. What a talent.

Edit- if someone has his offensive and defensive advanced stats this season, please post them. Legit playing some incredible two way hockey this season.

Went looking for stats assuming he would be terrible defensively like every year (especially playoffs), but he is really good defensively this year.

I like Edmonton's chances more if he can play like this all season and through the playoffs.

Good for him if he turns into a two-way C.

 

[Ghost of Murph]

Honestly didn't think Drai had much ceiling left. Apparently he hadn't peaked in terms of his two-way game. He is worth every penny of his upcoming $14M per.

 

[Czechboy]

replace McDavid with Bozak

I'd like to think we'd get more for McDavid than just Bozak in a trade. Those other players, cap space and picks included might help the team as well?

Or are we just replacing one of the best players in the game with Tyler Bozak? Eg. I don't think Makar would be as good if MacK was replaced with Bozak. I dont' think Matthews would be as good if we replaced Marner with Bozak too. In fact, I don't think a lot of players would be as good if we replaced the top player with Tyler Bozak. He was a nice player but never hit 50 points and never made more than 5 mill in a season. Why is he the guy we are replacing elite 1C's with big caphits with? If that is your argument.. than yes I agree. Replacing the best 1C's in the league directly for Tyler Bozak would make their teams worse.

I'm just not getting why any team would replace McDavid with Bozak?

 

[BLNY]

When's the last time he hasn't had a great season? 17-18?