Leon Draisaitl Breaks Silence on Emotional End to Season, Reflects on Oilers’ Journey, Future, and Stanley Cup Frustrations
Leon Draisaitl stood behind the podium during the Edmonton Oilers’ end-of-season media availability with a familiar calmness, but underneath his composed tone and methodical delivery lay a sea of raw emotion. The disappointment of falling just short of the Stanley Cup once again was etched on his face. After another grueling playoff run that ended in heartbreak, Draisaitl, one of the league’s most dominant forces, faced the media with candid thoughts on the season, the team’s future, and his own role moving forward.
“It’s still pretty fresh,” Draisaitl began. “When you get that close, it hurts. We believed in this group. We believed this could be the year.”
The Oilers’ 2024-2025 season had been one filled with resilience, overcoming a rocky start, and battling their way back into contention under intense scrutiny. Draisaitl, alongside superstar Connor McDavid, carried much of the offensive load, putting together a season worthy of MVP consideration. But individual accolades are never the goal in Edmonton. The only trophy that matters here is the one they haven’t hoisted since 1990.
When asked about the team’s chemistry and performance, Draisaitl didn’t shy away from holding the group to a higher standard.
“We have a lot of talent in this room. I think everyone can see that,” he said. “But talent alone doesn’t win championships. It’s the little details. Execution. Discipline. It’s about finding that extra gear when it matters most.”
Throughout the season, Draisaitl remained one of the most consistent and dangerous players on the ice. His scoring, vision, and physical play were crucial in keeping the Oilers competitive, especially in critical postseason moments. However, the sting of another playoff exit overshadowed any personal accomplishment.
“I don’t care about numbers,” he said flatly. “If we’re not winning the Cup, it’s not enough.”
That mentality is part of what’s made Draisaitl such a revered leader in the locker room. Though he doesn’t wear the captain’s “C”—that honor belongs to McDavid—Draisaitl’s voice carries weight among his teammates. It was evident in how younger players spoke about his leadership, and it was evident again as he addressed the media not as a star, but as a committed piece of a team that came up short.
Reflecting on the team’s highs and lows, Draisaitl acknowledged the adversity they faced early on.
“People counted us out in November. We knew we were better than that,” he recalled. “It took a lot of digging, a lot of honesty, to turn things around. That says a lot about this group.”
Indeed, the Oilers had to fight through inconsistency, coaching changes, and mounting pressure from a restless fan base and media. Yet they emerged stronger, peaking at the right time heading into the postseason.
Draisaitl was asked about the weight of expectations, both external and internal.
“When you have guys like Connor and myself, expectations come with the territory. But we expect even more from ourselves than anyone else could,” he said. “We know the clock is ticking. We know how rare these chances are. That’s why this one stings so much.”
The inevitable questions about the future also came. With contract talks looming, speculation swirls around Draisaitl’s long-term plans. The German-born forward, however, remained focused on the present.
“I love it here,” he said firmly. “I’ve said that many times. This city, these fans—they’ve given me everything. My focus is on winning a Cup with the Oilers. That’s all I care about right now.”
Still, the reality of professional sports is that change is constant, and Edmonton may face some tough decisions in the offseason. Draisaitl was asked whether he feels urgency knowing that this core group might not remain intact forever.
“Absolutely,” he said. “You don’t get many chances like this. We have a group that’s capable of doing special things. But windows don’t stay open forever. We all know that.”
What’s clear is that Draisaitl remains deeply invested in the Oilers’ success. His passion for the franchise, his teammates, and the city of Edmonton was evident in every word.
“I don’t want to be doing this media thing in June,” he said, a slight smile betraying his frustration. “I want to be on the ice. I want to be lifting that Cup.”
The road back will be difficult. The Oilers have reached the Conference Finals and the Stanley Cup Final in back-to-back years but have yet to cross the finish line. Each failure brings valuable lessons—but also added pressure. For Draisaitl, it’s about channeling that pain into motivation.
“This will drive us,” he said. “It has to. You either get better from it, or it breaks you. And I believe we’ll get better.”
Draisaitl was also asked about his chemistry with McDavid, which has often been the subject of both praise and scrutiny. Their ability to dominate games together is undeniable, but critics often argue the team relies too heavily on the duo.
“Connor is the best player in the world. I’m lucky to play with him,” Draisaitl said. “But it’s not about us. We need everyone. And we got contributions from a lot of guys this year. That’s what makes it hurt more—we had a team that could’ve done it.”
As the session came to a close, Draisaitl spoke about the fans—the unwavering support and the heartbreak they share.
“We feel their pain. We really do. They deserve a Cup. And we want to be the team that gives it to them,” he said. “You walk down the street in Edmonton, and people aren’t just fans—they live and breathe this team. That’s why we fight so hard.”
There’s no doubt that Leon Draisaitl will be a key part of the Oilers’ future, no matter what shape it takes. Whether his contract is extended soon or not, his legacy in Edmonton continues to grow—not just for his on-ice brilliance, but for his candor, accountability, and fierce loyalty.
“I’m going to do everything I can this summer to come back better,” he said as the final question was asked. “Because next year has to be different. We owe it to ourselves. And we owe it to this city.”
With those parting words, Draisaitl stepped away from the microphone, leaving behind a room of reporters who understood just how much this season meant—and just how determined he is to ensure the ending is different next time.
Whether it’s the final chapter or another stepping stone, Leon Draisaitl’s journey with the Edmonton Oilers remains one of heart, hope, and unfinished business.
