Leon Draisaitl: Edmonton Oilers Depth at Center
Leon Draisaitl, one of many star centers in the Oilers organization, stands 6’1″ and weighs over 210 pounds. This stout German talent has already racked up 38 points through 41 games during his first season as a feature piece of the Edmonton Oilers offense. Despite this seasons point totals and being the 3rd overall draft choice of the Oilers in 2014, Leon Draisaitl has taken a backseat to Phenom – Connor McDavid.
After a brief look at the Oilers roster, you quickly notice the depth the Oilers have at the center position. I have mentioned McDavid and Draisaitl, two building blocks at center for any organization, but the Oilers also boast another former 1st overall pick at center in Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
RNH has been featured as the teams 1st line center in past years, but has played lights out when featured as the teams 2nd line center. The Oilers also feature Mark Letestu, Anton Lander and Matt Hendricks at the center position in the bottom of their lineup.
Now, depth at any position is great, but there is such thing as too much depth in today’s salary cap world. McDavid, Draisaitl and RNH centering your top three lines may be a dream lineup for an All Star Team, but it is not practical for a team in the NHL.
Moving one of these talented players to the wing is difficult, especially in the case of an Oilers team that boasts Hall, Jordan Eberle and Nail Yakupov (amongst prospects knocking at the door for NHL minutes).
The best course of action for the Oilers – cash in on the surplus at the centre position. Many have discussed potential trades focused around the currently injured RNH which would address the surplus and allow the team to benefit with a good prospect and draft pick. I, however, would recommend a trade surrounding Leon Draisaitl for the following reasons:
- 2016 Free Agency will showcase multiple two-way 2nd line centers who could be had at or below RNH’s salary without sacrificing assets
- RNH has struggled with injuries throughout his NHL career
- The current injury to RNH gives the team time to develop McDavid and showcase Draisaitl
- RNH is an offensive minded centre and has struggled with the physical and defensive sides of the game, further decreasing his trade value
- A trade built around Leon Draisaitl has the potential to address multiple needs for the Oilers as the asking price can and should be high
Next: Edmonton Oilers: Life Without Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
Who would be interested in Leon Draisaitl and have the assets to send back?
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The Columbus Blue Jackets, Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks are a few of the teams that stick out as potential suitors. All three teams have a log jam at the goaltender position, offer some interesting options on the blueline and are seeking a 1st line center to push offense. Taking a deeper look at these teams, Toronto fans seem to be invested in Stamkos-mania and Columbus is a favorite to win the Auston Matthews sweepstakes.
If a trade were to happen with these two teams, it would have to occur after July 1st. Anaheim, however, could offer an interesting fit as a trade partner given the current displacement of Frederik Anderson, surplus of rear-guards and aging Ryan Kesler/Ryan Getzlaf combo as the teams go-to centers.
One thing is for certain, I will have my attention on the Oilers organization and their surplus at center as teams will likely be looking their direction to fill holes in the top line come August.