Skip to content

MacTavish says Oilers will do 'what's best' for Leon Draisaitl, not organization's need

Bill Streicher / USA TODAY

Leon Draisaitl fits the bill. 

A 6-foot-1, 208-pound centerman with a scoring touch and play-making pedigree, Draisaitl is everything the Edmonton Oilers have lacked at forward over the last few seasons.

That said, the 18-year-old is not a sure-fire choice to slot at No. 2 behind Ryan Nugent-Hopkins in Edmonton's center-ice depth.

"It’s a league not all that friendly to youth," general manager Craig MacTavish told ESPN's Pierre LeBrun. "He’s going to have to prove that he’s capable of handling it. All signs point to him being given a great opportunity. 

"Having said all that, we’ll make the decision based on what’s best for Leon and not our organization's need."

MacTavish might be trying to temper expectations, but he's undoubtedly wary of the trap that bit his predecessor. 

When Nugent-Hopkins was drafted first overall three seasons ago, the under-developed 18-year-old was thrust into the Oilers' top six and forced to match up against hulking centerman in the Western Conference gauntlet night in, night out. 

The result was a shoulder injury, an ailment that has persisted since his rookie season and undermined his development across three NHL seasons. 

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox