Edmonton Oilers is the only National Hockey League (NHL) team that feels like home, star player Leon Draisaitl explained his…
For Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl, the National Hockey League is filled with opportunities, rivalries, and pressures that come with being one of the best players in the world. Yet when asked about where he feels he truly belongs, the German-born forward didn’t hesitate. “The Oilers are the only NHL team that feels like home,” Draisaitl explained, sending a wave of pride through the team’s loyal fan base.
Since joining Edmonton as the third overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft, Draisaitl has grown from a promising prospect into one of the league’s most dominant forces. His partnership with captain Connor McDavid has given the Oilers a one-two punch unmatched in the modern game. But beyond the goals, assists, and accolades, Draisaitl’s connection to Edmonton runs much deeper than the ice.
“When I first came here as a teenager, I didn’t know what to expect,” he admitted. “But the city, the fans, and the organization embraced me. Over time, it stopped feeling like just a place where I played hockey—it became home.”
That sentiment carries extra weight in a sport where star players often face constant speculation about their futures. Draisaitl, however, has repeatedly emphasized his loyalty to the Oilers and his desire to deliver a Stanley Cup to a city that has not hoisted the trophy since 1990. “There’s something special about chasing history here,” he said. “This team, this fan base—they deserve it. That’s why it means so much to me to wear this jersey.”
Draisaitl’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. The Oilers endured difficult seasons early in his career, missing the playoffs and struggling to find consistency. Yet through it all, he stayed committed, helping to lead the team back into contention and establishing himself as a franchise cornerstone. “There were tough years, no doubt,” he reflected. “But those moments made the good times even sweeter. You learn resilience, and you grow with the city. That’s why it feels like home—it’s been a shared journey.”
His bond with the Edmonton community is equally strong. Known for his professionalism and humility, Draisaitl has become a role model for young players across Alberta and a symbol of international hockey pride for fans in Germany. Whether he’s on the ice dazzling with his playmaking or off the ice engaging with the community, he embodies the qualities Oilers fans hold dear.
“The people here live and breathe hockey. You feel that passion every night at Rogers Place. You feel it walking around the city. It’s not just about the game—it’s about being part of something that connects the whole community,” he said.
For Draisaitl, the choice to call Edmonton home is as much about identity as it is about hockey. “Other places might offer something different, but no team, no city feels the way Edmonton does,” he concluded. “This is where I belong. This is home.”
As the Oilers continue their pursuit of hockey’s ultimate prize, Leon Draisaitl’s words remind fans that their star forward is not only committed to their success but deeply rooted in the fabric of their team.
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