Leon Draisaitl shares emotional reason that representing Germany at the Olympics goes beyond winning medals
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Jack Sutherland
Feb 11, 2026 (7:07 PM)
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Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl, one of the best players in the NHL, is playing for Germany in the Olympics and explained why it goes beyond just trying to win a medal.
Playing for your country is a special thing, and for the first time since the 2014 Sochi Olympics, NHL players will be taking part in this year's Olympics.
Not surprisingly, Edmonton Oilers superstar forward Leon Draisaitl was one of the first players named to Team Germany.
Draisaitl was the flag bearer for Germany in the opening ceremonies for the Olympics, and he stared how special representing his homeland is and the effect that he hopes it has on young hockey fans.
We’re hoping to gather some fans. We’re hoping to get kids in Germany to tune into our games against Denmark, against Latvia, against the U.S. and for them to say, ‘Oh, I want to try that sport,’ because back home the easiest thing in the world to do is grab a soccer ball and play soccer. - Leon Draisaitl
So far this year in Edmonton, Draisaitl has 80 points (29G, 51A) in 55 games.
Leon Draisaitl Takes Representing His Country On The Ice Seriously
Draisaitl, one of the best players in the NHL, said that playing for his homeland on the international stage makes the games he'll be playing in all the more important.
You know, this doesn’t happen every day. This is not my jersey every day, so this is really special, especially at this event. There’s really no bigger stage than this for us. It makes it probably a little bit more important. - Leon Draisaitl
Draisaitl is the all-time leading scorer by an NHL player from Germany with 1,036 points (428G, 608A) in 845 games, all in an Oilers sweater.
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FEVRIER 11|129 ANSWERS Leon Draisaitl shares emotional reason that representing Germany at the Olympics goes beyond winning medals With Leon Draisaitl, is Germany a serious threat for gold in the Olympics? | ||
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