Leon Draisaitl will start the season centering the second line for Edmonton, according to the Oilers web site.
Draisaitl will start the season centering the second line for Edmonton, the team's official site reports.
Analysis:
The Oilers always wanted Draisaitl to make the team, as they believe he has the size and skill to play in the NHL right now. Perhaps just as importantly, though, they have a need for a second-line center after trading away Sam Gagner during the offseason. He apparently performed well enough in the preseason to earn the appointment, but if he struggles in the early stages of the regular season, a demotion could be in store.
HEADLINES
- Canadiens win 8th straight, hit 100-point mark for 1st time in 9 years
- Schaefer breaks NHL record for points by 18-year-old defenseman
- Sabres clinch playoff berth to end NHL-record 14-year drought
- Panthers miss playoffs after winning back-to-back Stanley Cups
- Crosby climbs all-time scoring list as Malkin notches 1,400th point
Advertisement