Leon Draisaitl chirps Connor McDavid on upcoming Olympic matchup
Photo credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
During a recent media availability, Team Germany star Leon Draisaitl commented on what it would be like if he were to face his Oilers' teammate Connor McDavid.
Reporter: And you're standing there across from McDavid at the opening faceoff, what would that be like?
Draisaitl: It's scary for him...(laughter erupts)...No, that would be really special, of course
Draisaitl: It's scary for him...(laughter erupts)...No, that would be really special, of course
McDavid-Draisaitl matchup special for both players
While Canada and Germany both play their first respective preliminary group game on February 12, they wouldn't potentially meet until the qualifying round beginning February 17.
Yet, I'm certain that when the puck does drop on the 2026 Winter Olympics games, loyalties will be set aside and it's game-on for 29 and 97.
Team Canada, of course, is the betting favourite to win gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics, with a projected 37% chance of finishing first, as per BetMGM
Team Germany, on the other hand, is considered a long-shot, dark horse, with odds of less than 2% of placing 7th or 8th in the field.
This is the first "best-on-best" Olympic tournament with NHL players since 2014, when Canada won gold in Sochi. Canada has won 9 Olympic golds and aims for its 10th, according to TSN
Germany recently proved its capability by winning silver at the 2018 Olympics, though it wasn't a best-on-best, while also winning silver at the 2023 IIHF World Championship.
Hockey aside, Draisaitl is reported to be a finalist to bear his country's flag at the Opening Ceremony in Milan on February 6.
“I’m honored to be a part of that and to even be in the conversation is something that I don’t take lightly and something I don’t take for granted,” Draisaitl said Thursday. “It’s something that would be a highlight in my career and in my life. There’s a lot of great athletes coming out of our country and to be able to represent them, regardless whether I win or not, it’s pretty special.”
Canada's first game is against Czechia, while Germany faces Denver on February 12, with an other Oiler, Josh Samanski on their roster.
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