Draisaitl happy playing a leading role
Big centre went from playing a bit part with Oilers to leading WHL champions into Mem Cup
QUEBEC CITY — Leon Draisaitl has no regrets about being returned to junior hockey in mid-season by the Edmonton Oilers.
After posting two goals and seven assists in 37 NHL games, the big centre drafted third overall last June was returned to the Prince Albert Raiders, only to have to his rights dealt to the powerhouse Kelowna Rockets.
The German has flourished with the Western Hockey League champions, and now will try to help them win a MasterCard Memorial Cup.
“They gave me a chance to play in the NHL,” he said Thursday.
“As an 18-year-old kid, what more can you ask than to play in the NHL and be given the chance to prove yourself and play in the best league there is?
“I’m not disappointed at all. I think getting sent down was not a bad thing at all. I know a lot of people think it’s a step down but a lot of times it’s a step up. It’s sometimes better for your confidence. I’m excited to be here and so far, we’ve had a very successful run and we want to keep that going.”
The Rockets open the four-team tournament Friday night at Quebec City’s Pepsi Colisee.
The 6-foot-1 210-pound Draisaitl led the Rockets with 28 points in 19 playoffs games.
After not winning a post-season game with Prince Albert, he found himself on a team that went 16-3 in the playoffs.
“At first I think he put all the pressure on himself and after a couple of games, when he wasn’t quite himself, he realized ‘Hey, all I need to do is just contribute and play the best I can,’ ” coach Dan Lambert said of Draisaitl’s return to junior. “Since then he’s been outstanding.” He will be one of the star attractions of the Memorial Cup. And while he was gone, big things have happened in Edmonton.
Peter Chiarelli is the new general manager, former San Jose Sharks bench boss Todd McLellan is the new coach and the Oilers won the draft lottery, allowing them to pick first overall and giving them first dibs at projected franchise player Connor McDavid.