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Leon Draisaitl fires back at Oilers media report in social media comment
Photo credit: Imagn Images
Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl is taking a shot at a media report criticizing the team's leadership this season.
Edmonton lost some big voices and key figures in their locker room this season, including Corey Perry, Connor Brown, and even coaches like Paul Coffey. Especially with their slow start and their response to some blowout loss, it's a question a few have raised.
Leon Draisaitl takes a shot at Oilers media report criticizing leadership
Analysts at Edmonton Sports Talk were discussion some of the questions around the leadership, and the video gained Draisaitl's attention on Instagram.
Do you think leadership is a issue with this hockey team?
GAZZOLA: Yes.
I'm glad you're answering honestly, because I don't know how you could look at this and and not say that there is a leadership issue.
GAZZOLA: But at this point, these guys that are the leaders of this team should have that ability to drag everyone into the fight with them, as opposed to leading the charge and hoping everyone else follows. That element hasn't happened yet, and we're well into this thing. I think this leadership group can still get it done, they just need support from good veterans.
GAZZOLA: Yes.
I'm glad you're answering honestly, because I don't know how you could look at this and and not say that there is a leadership issue.
GAZZOLA: But at this point, these guys that are the leaders of this team should have that ability to drag everyone into the fight with them, as opposed to leading the charge and hoping everyone else follows. That element hasn't happened yet, and we're well into this thing. I think this leadership group can still get it done, they just need support from good veterans.
Draisaitl on Instagram simply responded to the report with a 'Lol'.
The Oilers have put up some concerning signs with these repeated blowout losses and lack of response at times this season, but this is leadership group has also been able to drag their team through playoff success before. And to be fair, we're still in the first half of the season.
When the games matter, there's no one else better to have on the roster than McDavid and Draisaitl, with an elite supporting cast with Bouchard, Nugent-Hopkins, Hyman, and Ekholm. None have been firing at 100% at the same time yet this season, but as the year progresses, they'll turn it on.
Maybe even this comment will be a moment to motivate the Oilers. Leon Draisaitl at least will be ticked off tomorrow night.
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