The Edmonton Oilers have plenty of firepower, but even by their standards, Leon Draisaitl continues to find ways to take over games. The German superstar has opened the 2026-27 season in impressive fashion, and his latest performance against the Anaheim Ducks was another reminder of just how dangerous he can be when he gets rolling.
Draisaitl recorded four assists in Edmonton’s 5-2 comeback victory over Anaheim on October 7. The Oilers trailed 2-0 after the first period before exploding for five goals in the second. Connor McDavid added a goal and two assists, while Evan Bouchard chipped in with two goals and an assist. It was the kind of offensive outburst that makes Edmonton difficult for any opponent to contain.
What stands out about Draisaitl is that he doesn’t need to score a goal to be the most influential player on the ice. His passing, patience with the puck and ability to recognize defensive breakdowns make him a threat every time he gets possession. Against Anaheim, he helped drive an entire period of offensive dominance without needing to finish the plays himself.
Draisaitl’s Numbers Continue to Speak for Themselves
Draisaitl entered this season coming off another outstanding campaign. In 2025-26, he recorded 35 goals and 62 assists for 97 points in 65 games. That followed a 52-goal, 106-point season in 2024-25, demonstrating that his production remains among the NHL’s elite.
His scoring record is especially impressive when you consider the different ways he creates offence. Draisaitl can beat a goaltender with his shot, find teammates through tight passing lanes and punish opponents on the power play. His ability to play centre or move to the wing also gives Edmonton flexibility when the coaching staff needs to adjust its forward lines.
The Oilers don’t have to rely on one particular version of Draisaitl to be successful. He can be a finisher, a playmaker or the player who draws defenders toward him and opens space for someone else. That versatility is a major reason he remains such a difficult matchup.
The McDavid Connection Remains Edmonton’s Biggest Advantage
Any discussion about Draisaitl eventually comes back to Connor McDavid, and for good reason. Few teams can put two players on the ice who can change a game so quickly. When they’re playing together, opposing coaches have to decide how aggressively to defend the puck without leaving dangerous passing lanes open.
But the Oilers’ biggest advantage isn’t necessarily keeping both superstars on the same line. It’s having two elite offensive centres capable of driving their own units. Separating them can force opponents to spread their best defensive players across multiple lines, while bringing them together can create a nightmare matchup late in a game or on the power play.
That decision will continue to matter throughout the season. Edmonton needs both players producing, but it also needs enough depth scoring to prevent opponents from focusing exclusively on its biggest stars. Draisaitl’s ability to make teammates better gives the Oilers options that most teams simply don’t have.
<WritingBlock id=”58322″ variant=”document”>## A $14 Million Contract Comes With Expectations
Draisaitl’s eight-year, $112 million contract extension began in 2025-26 and carries an average annual value of $14 million through the 2032-33 season. It’s a massive commitment, but Edmonton didn’t make that investment because of what Draisaitl might become. The Oilers paid him because of what he has already accomplished and what they believe he can still deliver.
With that kind of cap hit, the expectations are obvious. Edmonton needs Draisaitl to remain one of the league’s most productive players while helping the team compete for a championship. His individual numbers are rarely the biggest question. The real test is whether the Oilers can build a balanced enough roster around their stars to win when the games become tighter and the defensive pressure increases.
There is a fair argument that Edmonton’s dependence on its top players can become a weakness. A team cannot expect to score its way out of every problem, particularly in the playoffs. Draisaitl can do his part, but the Oilers also need reliable defensive play, timely saves and contributions from their supporting cast.
Can Draisaitl Help Take Edmonton All the Way?
The early results are encouraging, but a handful of strong performances won’t determine how Edmonton’s season ends. The Oilers have shown they can overwhelm opponents offensively, and Draisaitl remains one of the biggest reasons why. The challenge is maintaining that firepower while becoming a team that can win in different ways.
His performance against Anaheim was a good example of what Edmonton needs. Down two goals, the Oilers responded with a five-goal second period, and Draisaitl played a part in every goal through his four assists. According to Reuters, it was the 12th game of his career in which he recorded at least four assists. That’s not an ordinary offensive night, even for a player of his calibre.
Draisaitl doesn’t need to win the scoring race every season to justify his place among the NHL’s best. But if Edmonton wants to make another serious Stanley Cup push, his production will remain central to the team’s chances. At 30, he is in the stage of his career when every season with a championship-calibre roster matters.
The Oilers have the star power. They have the experience. Now they need to turn that combination into the result Edmonton fans have been waiting for. If Draisaitl keeps producing at this level, the Oilers will have every reason to believe they can make another run.
What do you think, Oilers fans? Is Leon Draisaitl the most important player on Edmonton’s roster when it comes to winning the Stanley Cup, or does Connor McDavid still hold that title? Let us know your thoughts.
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