"It Puts Things Into Perspective": Leon Draisaitl opens up on family and NHL absence

The time Leon Draisaitl spent away from the Edmonton Oilers changed his perspective regarding both ice hockey and his life outside of hockey. Draisaitl stepped away from the team last week to return to Germany due to a family emergency, missing three games during his absence. The Oilers achieved two wins and one loss in their three games, but their players changed their focus from results to perspective.

Draisaitl returned to the lineup in an Oilers uniform on Thursday night after spending the whole day traveling. which led him directly to compete in their game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, which they lost 6-2. The 30-year-old athlete requires the team to achieve results at all times, yet he stated that these situations bring everything into correct perspective, which exists separately from team standings and performance metrics.

Leon Draisaitl on family, perspective and returning to Edmonton Oilers

On Saturday, Draisaitl explained his absence after the morning skate: “Obviously, I needed to be with my family,” he said. “It puts things into perspective at times, how little this in here really matters when it comes to life.”
Draisaitl said that, when he was in Germany, he hardly watched every shift, but he knows that group needs to find some consistency over their next six games ahead of the Olympic break. “Last game obviously wasn’t our best,” he said. “It’s important to find our game here before the break.”

Draisaitl has scored 25 goals and collected 42 assists over 49 games this season, which makes him the second-highest scorer for the Oilers after Connor McDavid. His absence affected the team, but his presence continues to support Edmonton's efforts during their Olympic break preparations.

What the Oilers said after Leon Draisaitl’s return

The head coach of the Edmonton Oilers, Kris Knoblauch, described that it is impossible for players to reach their peak performance while experiencing those particular conditions.

“Leon, I can’t imagine what he’s gone through this past week and a half,” Knoblaugh said. “You play under the circumstances that he did, flying all day, the time change … and then playing. It would be ridiculous to think Leon would be at his best.”

According to Knoblauch, Leon Draisaitl provides the Oilers with an advantage through his mere existence because he enhances their performance in both five-on-five situations and power play situations. The player has a major influence on the game, which extends beyond his statistical achievements, because his performance helps the team establish better playing patterns during this important moment in their season.
Winger Andrew Mangiapane will participate in a skate with Leon Draisaitl against the Washington Capitals. He considers his chance with Draisaitl a big opportunity, which he intends to fully utilize during their game. Mangiapane explained that Draisaitl's awareness and skillset enable his linemates to perform their duties more effectively on the ice.

The Edmonton Oilers hold second place in the Pacific Division because they trail the Vegas Golden Knights by four points. The Oilers aim to achieve their first win by completing six games before the Olympic break because Draisaitl's return will provide them with essential stability during this important upcoming period.

The Oilers experience an improvement when Draisaitl returns because he provides both his physical presence and his mental state to the team as they pursue their playoff run while trying to establish consistent play. Teams require both perspective and support to achieve their goals, but need balance to succeed. His return restores stability and focus during a crucial stretch.


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