Ex-Oilers Evander Kane, Warren Foegele, and Connor Brown Reunite in France for Leon Draisaitl’s Fairytale Wedding Celebration
In a wedding that blended Hollywood elegance with hockey brotherhood, Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl tied the knot with actress Celeste Desjardins in a breathtaking ceremony at a French château — and three familiar faces from his Oilers past were right there to witness it. Former teammates Evander Kane, Warren Foegele, and Connor Brown made the journey to France to celebrate their friend’s big day, creating an emotional reunion that reminded many fans of the bonds formed during their shared tenure in Edmonton.
Set against the backdrop of rolling French hills and classic château charm, the wedding became one of the NHL’s most talked-about offseason highlights. With rows of white roses lining the ceremony path and soft string music filling the air, Draisaitl and Desjardins said their vows in front of a crowd that included fellow players, celebrities from the world of entertainment, and a handful of loyal friends who had seen their relationship blossom over the years.
Among those friends were Kane, Foegele, and Brown — all former Oilers who stood out not only for their presence but also for the camaraderie they brought with them. Wearing crisp, custom-tailored suits and exuding the confident charm that made them locker room leaders during their time in Edmonton, the trio turned heads throughout the weekend as they mingled with guests and posed for photographs, arms slung casually around each other in celebration of the couple and their shared history.
Their appearance served as a nod to the strong bonds that persist in the NHL world — even after trades, free agency moves, and new chapters. The three ex-Oilers didn’t just show up for a party; they came to honor a friend, to toast his new life, and to remind everyone present that hockey, at its core, is built on brotherhood.
Draisaitl, known for his on-ice dominance and off-ice humility, was beaming throughout the celebration. For someone who has consistently put his teammates first and has been the steady engine of the Oilers’ offense, it was his time to be celebrated. And while his marriage to Desjardins, a Canadian actress known for roles in both film and television, was the focal point of the weekend, the visible support from his former teammates added depth to the emotional occasion.
Kane, who shared some of the Oilers’ most intense playoff battles with Draisaitl, was seen laughing heartily during the reception, often joined by Foegele and Brown. While each player has moved on professionally — Kane remaining one of the league’s most dynamic wingers, Foegele now finding his rhythm with a new team, and Brown battling back from injury to prove his worth — their shared memories in Edmonton appeared never far from their minds.
Several guests noted that the trio’s bond was unshakable, with Kane even giving a short, impromptu toast during the reception, praising Draisaitl’s loyalty and leadership. “There are guys you play with, and then there are guys who leave a mark,” he said. “Leon’s the kind of guy who leads by example, who always showed up when it mattered. And now he’s found someone who matches that same passion and fire. We’re lucky to call him a friend.”
Foegele, more reserved but equally genuine, echoed those sentiments in a quiet moment shared with a few guests during cocktail hour. “It’s crazy to think how quickly things move in this game. You leave a city, start with a new team, but the friendships… those stay with you. Being here today is just proof of that.”
And Brown, who once played alongside Draisaitl during a brief but meaningful stint, reflected on the occasion with simple appreciation. “You don’t miss an event like this. Leon’s a world-class teammate and an even better human being. Celeste’s amazing. This is special.”
As the reception carried into the night, with lights strung across the vineyard and glasses clinking in every corner, it became clear that this was more than just a glamorous wedding. It was a convergence of sports, entertainment, and enduring friendship. Photos from the celebration, many of which surfaced on social media shortly after, captured those fleeting but powerful moments — shared glances, old jokes, dancefloor antics — that spoke to the tight-knit world of professional hockey and the rare moments when it pauses to celebrate life beyond the rink.
For Draisaitl and Desjardins, the night marked the beginning of a new chapter. For Kane, Foegele, and Brown, it was a chance to reconnect not only with a teammate but with a part of their own journey that shaped who they are today. And for fans, it was a reminder of how the game, while fiercely competitive, is held together by ties that extend far beyond the boards.
The Oilers may have shifted and reshaped over recent seasons, but the bond between these former players remains unbroken — something made unmistakably clear by their joyful presence in France. It’s the kind of loyalty that doesn’t show up on stat sheets or in highlight reels, but lives quietly in gestures like booking a flight to Europe to stand by a friend’s side as he says “I do.”
In an offseason often dominated by rumors, trades, and training reports, this wedding offered something different — a moment of stillness, celebration, and unity. Draisaitl’s marriage to Desjardins was a love story years in the making. And thanks to the presence of Kane, Foegele, and Brown, it became a testament to the kind of friendships forged in the fire of competition — and carried forward, joyfully, into the chapters that follow.