Leon Draisaitl leads Germany as flag bearer in incredible Olympic opening ceremony moment
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Jack Sutherland
Feb 6, 2026 (6:55 PM)
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Photo credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl, one of three Oilers players competing in the Milan Winter Olympics, was the flag bearer for Germany during tonight's opening ceremonies in Italy.
The NHL has officially paused for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, and it's the first time in a decade that NHL players will represent their respective nations in competitive Olympic play.
The Edmonton Oilers have sent three players to Milan: Connor McDavid (Canada), Leon Draisaitl (Germany) and Josh Samanski (Germany).
The opening ceremonies in Milan were tonight, and leading the way for the German athletes while waiving a large German flag was none other than Draisaitl himself.
Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl leads Germany out at the Olympic ceremonies
Draisaitl, who had been named German Sportsman of the Year, has 34 points (13G, 21A in 42 games since 2014 with Germany’s senior national team. He also helped Team Europe win a silver medal in the 2016 World Cup.
Oilers' Leon Draisaitl Was Named A Flag Bearer For Germany
Draisaitl, who was one of the first names listed for Team Germany in the Olympics, considered it a great honour to be included as a flag bearer.
We have amazing athletes in our country. I’m honoured to be a part of that and to even be in the conversation is something that I don’t take lightly and something I don’t take for granted. It’s something that would be a highlight in my career and in my life. There’s a lot of great athletes coming out of our country, and to be able to represent them, regardless whether I win or not, it’s pretty special. - Leon Draisaitl
Draisaitl and Germany will play Denmark on February 12, Latvia on February 14 and the United States on February 15.
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FEVRIER 6|155 ANSWERS Leon Draisaitl leads Germany as flag bearer in incredible Olympic opening ceremony moment Will Leon Draisaitl be able to help Germany challenge for gold? | ||
| Yes | 69 | 44.5 % |
| No | 86 | 55.5 % |
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