Leon Draisaitl Gets Animated in Edmonton Oilers Locker Room During Intermission

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Liam McCormick
November 30, 2024 (9:35)

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Oilers supertstar Leon Draisaitl has always been an outspoken player, and he put those skills to use in a team meeting during the first intermission of last night's game against the Utah Hockey Club.

In his post game comments, Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins revealed that Draisaitl initiated an internal talk, and the Oilers surely responded.

Draisaitl himself spoke about the meeting as well, saying it was unfortunate that the moment was required, but someone had to step to do it.

»Sometimes there's moments where it gets louder, and the uncomfortable things need to be said, unfortunately. One great part about our team is there's never any finger pointing. If a guy decides to say something, he puts himself into that conversation as well. We're a mature group.»
-Leon Draisaitl

The Oilers certainly needed a wake up call like that after a horrendous first period in Utah last night.

Even Connor McDavid was looking completely off in the early stages of last night's game, making turnovers and poor efforts on backchecks.

From the second period on, the Oilers game continued to grow into total domination of Utah and securing a comeback win. Both McDavid and Draisaitl, of course, were key factors in the win.

Leon Draisaitl certainly has the influence to speak up and motivate the team to be better with leadership moments like this, but it's incredible to see him add himself to the conversation, when Draisaitl's arguably been the Oilers MVP this year.

Although Leon's having a fantastic season, he understands the need to dig deeper when struggling.

Earlier this year, Coach Knoblauch benched Draisaitl, and he responded with an incredible stretch of hockey since.

The Oilers have two generational superstars in their team, with leadership abilities to push each other and the entire team to be their best. Edmonton is absolutely blessed.