Leon Draisaitl separates Edmonton Oilers' current squad from previous years ahead of new season

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Sep 10, 2024 07:39 GMT

Leon Draisaitl knows each season is a fresh start, even for the Edmonton Oilers, who have been getting closer to winning the Stanley Cup. As the new NHL season approaches, Draisaitl is ready to move forward after signing an eight-year extension.

Draisaitl points out the need for the team to build an identity as the new season approaches.

“You have to create an identity,” Draisaitl said (via Sportsnet). “We’re not the same team as last year. There’s a lot of the same pieces, but every team creates its own identity, its own look, and its own way of approaching and playing the game."

The Oilers have been knocked out by the eventual Stanley Cup champions in the past three seasons. However, Draisaitl isn't dwelling on that. Instead, he sees each season as a chance to build on past lessons.

"We definitely want to be a similar style of hockey team, but we’re going to be our own team and we’re not going to have anything to do with the team last year. But we want to be even better.”

The Oilers' 2024-25 season will be defined by how they face new challenges, not by past failures.

Leon Draisaitl stresses strong start for Oilers

A key priority is avoiding the slow start that hurt them last year, leading to the firing of former head coach Jay Woodcroft. That poor start forced the team into a long recovery, fighting to secure a playoff spot.

Leon Draisaitl is determined not to repeat that and shared the importance of getting off to a better start.

“We want to get off to a better start and give ourselves a bit of a buffer where, you know, maybe at the end of the season we are leading the division and have home ice on more occasions than not,” Draisaitl said.

The Oilers added veteran Jeff Skinner, who has played over 1,000 NHL games. Skinner brings fresh energy and is eager to help the team succeed.

Leon Draisaitl values players like Skinner for their contribution. Draisaitl shared focusing on the regular season and not thinking about the playoffs yet.

“We know where we want to end up at the end of the season — I think everybody knows that. But we have to give ourselves a chance to get there first, and that’s most important. That’s our priority."

Draisaitl's words emphasized building an identity during the regular season, not rushing about the playoffs.