When asked about constantly being asked to play with different linemates this season, many of whom aren’t stars in their own right, Leon Draisaitl wasn’t complaining. The Edmonton Oilers superstar is used to the rotating trios on his line and is embracing the role of playing with different wingers.
Draisaitl has been doing this long enough to know the drill – and that includes never knowing who he’ll be playing with from night to night.
“I think it all starts with mentality. I’ve played with a lot of different guys – it’s been that way for 10 years – so I’m used to it. There are times when I like it. We have a lot of great players on this team and I enjoy playing with a lot of them, so I’m good at it.”
On the one hand, Draisaitl has proven he can produce with almost anyone. The Oilers have leaned on his versatility forever, sliding wingers in and out and trusting that results will follow. More is being asked of him than Connor McDavid, who would likely take the same approach but typically gets the best wingers in his top line – currently Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
Maybe that’s not fair to Draisaitl. He could play with McDavid. He should get top executives on his side. However, the Oilers are consistently moving the deck chairs, taking Jack Roslovic off his line tonight and putting the returning Kasperi Kapanen there.
“Ideally you want a little more certainty and consistency in your line-up. If the lines change every night, it can get chaotic. But we’ve had some success without that, so there’s a fine line.”
As for what he sees playing with Kapanen
Kapanen may not be a typical second-line player, but he returns from injury with great energy and is eager to make an impact.
Draisaitl commented: “We’re happy to have him back. More than anything, we’re excited for him as a person. It’s been a long year for him – rehabbing, not being with the group – that’s very tough. He brings a lot of energy, and it’s good to have him playing hockey again. That’s the most important thing right now.”
For Draisaitl, it’s just a reality that he’ll get different wingers and be asked to produce. Sometimes his play will suffer. He has adapted, thrived and learned to deal with the chaos, but he has also played several games without a goal. The Oilers need to be careful not to ask him to drag people around to the point where his production drops.
Next: Former Oilman Not Likely in Andrew Mangiapane Trade Return
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