Coach Knoblauch's Benching Having Lasting Impact on Leon Draisaitl

PUBLICATION

Liam McCormick
November 11, 2024 (6:14 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The Edmonton Oilers began this season clearly struggling to find their game, and early on, that specifically included Leon Draisaitl.

In a few games early this season, Draisaitl took multiple senseless penalties that ended up costing the team. Coach Knoblauch benched Draisaitl in the fourth game of the year against the Flyers, and there's clearly been a lasting impact.

There was even an incredible video that surfaced of the interaction behind the scenes, where Leon was described as being a little mad about the benching, but he responded as a great leader would.

Since he was benched, Leon Draisaitl flipped the switch and has been the Oilers best player - arguably the best player in the NHL too. Draisaitl scored the overtime winner that night against Philly, and then scored 15 points in the next 11 games. The biggest sign that Draisaitl really took the benching to heart is that he's only taken one penalty since then.

Draisaitl is now leading the Oilers in goals and points, as well as posting incredible defensive results. If he keeps up this level of play for the season, some Oilers fans and analysts believe he could be in contention for the Selke Trophy for best defensive player in the NHL this year.

Draisaitl has shown himself to be the kind of player that can respond to honest criticism and be better for it. In the absence of Connor McDavid for a short while, that meant a lot to see Draisaitl stand up as the team's best player. Hopefully the Oilers can take a lesson of accountability from that, and apply it so every player can be better.