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Leon Draisaitl often gets insulted by NHL fan base

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Finnegan Frost
October 21, 2024 (5:36)

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Photo credit: SI

A recent article by the hockey writers has sparked an interesting conversation in Oil Country, hinting that Leon Draisaitl doesn't get enough respect in the NHL.

There's a common around stigma the NHL, and fans across the league have been calling Leon out - saying he's only good because of McDavid.

According the hockey news, The biggest reason behind Draisaitl being underrated is that there is still a significant chunk of the hockey community who believes he is a byproduct of Connor McDavid. You often hear comments such as, «He plays with McDavid,» from fans who try to dismiss his video-game-like point totals. It's a lazy argument, as the two have far more often than not played on separate lines in order to help balance the Oilers' offence.

Since the 2016-17 season, Drasaitl's 794 points are second amongst all NHLers, as are his 328 goals. Many who discredit him also like to make mention of the power play playing a large impact in his totals, which it does, but 508 of those points have come at even strength. Don't get it confused, he is a magician on the man advantage, but is every bit as good at 5v5 play.

Leon Draisaitl, AKA «the Deutsch dangler, AKA, «the duck hunter» is far more than just your average hockey player. Yes, there's something to be said about playing alongside Connor McDavid, but Leon's success comes solely from his own scoring prowess and offensive talent.

His ability to finish from the most difficult angles is mind blowing, and his capacity to elevate his game in the playoffs has lead the Oilers deep into the playoffs more than once.

There has never been a player who produces like him yet gets disregarded as often as he does, and that even includes Malkin, who, while elite in his own right, never put up the numbers we have seen from the Oilers forward.<\q>

While some hockey fans claim he owes his success solely to Connor McDavid, there's only one Leon Draisaitl, and we're happy he's on our side.

Do you think NHL fans should stop saying Draisaitl is only good because of McDavid?

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18 HOURS AGO \| 79 ANSWERS Leon Draisaitl often gets insulted by NHL fan base Do you think Leon Draisaitl is the most underrated player in the NHL?
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