Draisaitl cancels: Germany remains without its superstar

Top ice hockey striker Leon Draisaitl will not travel to the World Cup in Finland and Latvia and will strengthen the German national team.

17 May 2023

From: dpa

The German Ice Hockey Association announced this on Wednesday after lengthy discussions with the world-class striker from the Edmonton Oilers. According to DEB sports director Christian Künast, “it is not possible to take part in the World Cup in such a short time.”

Draisaitl himself reported discussions with the DEB after the NHL playoff exit with the Oilers on Tuesday (local time) in Edmonton. “There are a few things to clarify. We’ll see,” the 27-year-old said. “After 92 NHL games, including two intense series, he now simply needs time to recover from the exertion and regenerate physically. “Especially since there are also exit meetings and media appointments with the Oilers on site,” said Künast after the talks with Draisaitl, who had the most successful NHL season of his career to date with 146 points.

At the World Cup, the German national team is under considerable pressure after three opening defeats against Sweden (0:1), Finland (3:4) and the USA (2:3). In order to qualify for the quarter-finals, the remaining preliminary round games against Denmark on Thursday (19.20:2026 p.m./), Austria, Hungary and France must be won. Otherwise, the desired direct qualification for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina would also be lost. According to current status, the NHL players should also take part in the Olympics for the first time since XNUMX.