Leon Draisaitl falls out of most recent projections for top NHL award

Many throughout the league had felt that Draisaitl was a potential lock for this trophy as he had taken the team on his back after the injury and suspension of Connor McDavid this season.

After coming within two goals of winning the Stanley Cup last year, it seems that Draisaitl has taken his game to the next level and has been a leader on the ice and off the ice while showing his teammates and fans his emotions when things are not going well.

Draisaitl showed his commitment to the Oilers as he signed an 8-year extension worth $112 million last year and has had the freedom just to play hockey and not worry about the dollar value and the term that can haunt a player at the end of their contract.

The 29-year-old superstar who was drafted by the Oilers back in 2014, 3rd overall has played 65 games this year then has 41 goals, 57 assists for 98 points and is a plus 27.

He is well on track to finishing his best season in his career on the stat line and also hopes to translate that success in the playoffs which is where he excels even more.

He is currently leading the NHL in goals.

Draisaitl, McDavid and the rest of the Oilers are hoping to have a strong finish to their year as they remain five points behind the Vegas Golden Knights for first place in the Pacific division.

Many felt that the Pacific division title was the goal for the season and perhaps even first place in the NHL as the Oilers seek to make it easier for themselves especially if they go on another long run to the Stanley Cup finals.

Travel along with the grueling games that lie ahead would certainly benefit for having home ice advantage throughout the entire playoffs.

The Oilers are currently on the road in the Eastern Conference and will face off against the New York Islanders on March 14th and game time will be 7:00 PM eastern.