Frustration boils: Leon Draisaitl faces fan backlash

PUBLICATION

Finnegan Frost
October 24, 2024 (6:38)

SHARE THIS STORY

As the team struggles to win games early on in the regular season, the fan base is starting to lose their patience, especially regarding Oilers superstar forward Leon Draisaitl.

According to Liam McCormick of Oilers daily, Leon Draisaitl is still second in team scoring on the Oilers, but he hasn't been performing up to his standard so far this year, and some fans want to see him benched.

Draisaitl recorded a power-play assist last night, but otherwise had a noticeably poor game and continued some troubling trends. In the second period, Draisaitl took a senseless cross checking penalty against Shayne Gostisbehere out of frustration, something that's been a problem for him. Coach Knoblauch has already benched Draisaitl for this problem earlier this year.

Now, fans are taking to social media, calling Draisaitl out for his subpar performance so far this season. Take a look at what fans are saying on X:

The Oilers superstar forward has been labeled as «lazy Draisaitl» in the past, and his urgency so far this year matches that nickname perfectly. Although the star forward recently signed an 8 year $14 million dollar contract extension, he's been far from the warrior Oilers fans saw during the 2024 post season. Fans are now calling for Leon to be benched if he doesn't start pulling his weight.

The Oilers now have three days off to recoup and game plan for taking on the Pittsburgh Penguins at home on Friday night. The Oilers will sorely want a win, and to avoid dropping their record to 2-5-1.

Do you think Leon Draisaitl has been lazy hockey so far? Answer our Oilers Insider poll to have your say!