DFS: Fact or Fiction - Leon Draisaitl's Big Start
When Leon Draisaitl was 15-years-old, he registered 97 goals and 192 points in just 29 games while playing for Mannheimer ERC U16 in Germany's Schuler-Bundesliga.
It doesn't matter if you're playing Timbits hockey, averaging 6.6 points-per-game in any format is downright ridiculous. This opened some eyes overseas, earning him the nickname, "The German Gretzky."
Fast forward to 2015 where Draisaitl, 20, has four goals and 11 points in seven games since being called up by the Edmonton Oilers. While it's unfair to expect the former third overall pick to average 1.6 points-per-game for the remainder of the season, there's no reason why he can't be solid contributor for the Oilers and rack up somewhere around 60 points.
Many will think this is unrealistic because of his abysmal rookie season where only had two goals and nine points in 37 games. But fans need to keep in mind that this a player who is still learning how to play with his teammates.
Obviously, the talent of minor and junior hockey in Germany is nowhere near Canada's. Draisaitl is so physically gifted that he could simply do it all himself while playing overseas. He even lit up the WHL with 105 points while playing for Prince Albert in his draft year.
While the injury to Connor McDavid was devastating, it opened up a great opportunity for Draisaitl to skate on Edmonton's top line with two former first overall picks: Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
Even before the injury, he was skating with Hall and McDavid. It's safe to say when McDavid returns, Draisaitl will get his chance to play on a line oozing with talent and potential, regardless of who it's with.
Draisaitl's a natural centerman, but has spent most of his time this season playing right wing, offering the Oilers flexibility and versatility.
The 6-foot-1, 214 pounder has all the tools to continue his success. Zenon Herasymiuk, a scout for Future Considerations, had this to say about Draisaitl heading into the draft:
Draisaitl is a big bodied center that willingly and consistently disrupts the tempo of a hockey game with his uncanny patience and his intelligent possessive style. He loves to fly through the middle of the ice, often dazzling with his Datsyuk-like puck handling skills. Leon’s vision and ability to lay claim to space in the dirty areas of the ice make him an elite offensive threat.
Ryan Kennedy of the Hockey News compared him to Los Angeles Kings' center Anze Kopitar coming into the draft.
Draisaitl remains the bargain of all bargains on most DFS sites. He should be in your lineup practically every night while he rides this hot streak, even as his price increases.
Fact or fiction? Clearly fact.