NHL top scorer Draisaitl: “I’m missing a title, that’s what it’s all about”

The currently most successful ice hockey player in the world seems completely relaxed despite the hype surrounding him in North America. NHL top scorer Leon Draisaitl wants to get even better and above all one thing: become champions and win the Stanley Cup. In this interview, the 24-year-old Edmonton Oilers striker also talks about comparisons to legend Wayne Gretzky.

Last season with 105 points was personally outstanding. They seem to be topping that now. What is your limit?

“Well, I don’t really think about it too much. Ultimately, I just try to get better every year. I also think I still have room for improvement.”

Where, then?

"Everywhere. I can still improve both defensively and offensively. I still see room for improvement.”

If you extrapolate the current yield over the season, you get 135 to 140 points. How much air should there still be?

“Last year I also had a good year with over 100 points. Maybe there will be more now. Of course it's been successful and I'm happy about it and proud of it. But it is still a team sport. The most important thing is that we make the playoffs. That's just my focus. And my haul is my way of helping the team.”

What are the chances that you won't go to the World Cup in May because you're playing for the Stanley Cup with the Oilers?

“My focus is solely on the Oilers. That's the case with every player. If in the end the playoffs aren't enough, I'll decide then. But we’re trying to stay in the race for as long as possible.”

Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl (from right) and Co. rush from success to success. © SID

After more than a third of the season, you are one of the top teams in the league. What's going better for the Oilers this season?

“We got a few new players and a new coach. That gave us more stability. We are a young team and are all a year older. We’re getting better as a team.”

Edmonton is hockey crazy. Is there a feeling of euphoria this season?

“The enthusiasm in an ice hockey city like this is always huge. That will never change. But people are already noticing that we have shown some really good performances this season and that we also have a good team.”

Can you still eat in peace?

“Of course it works. Here, people recognize you everywhere. But that's part of it. You learn to deal with it. People are very respectful and still emotional about it.”

“We are very, very good friends. We treat each other to everything.” Draisaitl on his relationship with Connor McDavid They usually play together in a row with probably the best North American player at the moment, Connor McDavid. They take turns with him at the top of the NHL scoring rankings. How is your relationship? Are you also competitors?

“We are very, very good friends. We treat each other to everything. We also get along very well off the ice. This is very, very positive and healthy competition. That has to be the case.

Given your personal accomplishments, you are often compared to Oilers legend Wayne Gretzky. Does that make you proud?

“Of course it’s something special to be compared to such legends. But there is still a long way to go to achieve something comparable.”

“It was always my goal to become one of the best in the world.” Leon draisaitl There are experts who say you are one of the best players in the world - we judge that for ourselves?

“There are really many players in the league who you could say is the best player in the world. I find that difficult. It was always my goal to become one of the best in the world. I continue to work on being consistently successful.”

Then you have already achieved your goal at the age of 24. “What’s missing is a title. That's what it's about. That's the most important."

Another topic: There have recently been discussions about violence, psychological pressure or racism from coaches in the NHL.

“I don’t want to comment on that.”

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NHL top scorer Draisaitl: “I’m missing a title, that’s what it’s all about”

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