The Edmonton Oilers made an easy choice in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, selecting Leon Draisaitl third overall. Draisaitl, quickly nicknamed the “Deutschland Dangler” for his German descent and skills, was one of the most highly anticipated prospects.
The 6-foot-1 spent his 2014-15 campaign split between the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets and the Edmonton Oilers. He posted 53 points (19 G, 34 A) and a plus-14 in 32 games wth the Rockets, but struggled up with Edmonton, racking up only nine points (two goals, seven assists) and was a minus-17.
With the chance to redeem himself this past year, Draisaitl made a huge push during the preseason and training camp, but was cut and sent down to the Bakersfield Condors.