Player Discussion Who is the best passer in the league?

[The Moose is Loose]

There is a discussion on the main board about who the best passer in the league is. It got me thinking and I would say Draisaitl. I know McDavid puts up larger assist totals but he uses his legs to create so many offensive opportunities whereas Draisaitl’s playmaking is almost entirely vision and incredible passing accuracy.


Who has your vote?

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[McJC]

Leon. Connor opens up more lanes for himself with his speed but as far as pin point accuracy goes it's Drai

 

[The Safe Play]

Bouchard

 

[TopShelfGloveSide]

I don’t know McDavid makes some ridiculous passes.

 

[TheNumber4]

Tough question. McDavids IQ is generational and with that comes the best decision making in the League in terms of passing. I would say McDavid more consistently chooses the right pass and right options, so his passing has a higher success rate and I think the stats reflect this.

On the other hand, Leon makes more spectacular passes. His highlight reel passes are unmatched whether it’s a blind seeing eye back hand sauce, or a rip from his own end to send McD on a breakaway. These are impressive passes that McDavid doesn’t really try. But with those highlight reel passes comes more trial and error than McDavid, as Leon is more prone to turnovers than McDavid.

It’s a bit of a coin toss, but I’m going with McD on this. I’ll give Leon the better shot and finishing ability though.

 

[jesusbuiltmyhotrod]

Drai is insane passing the puck, even better than 97 imo.

 

[Oilers 322]

McDavid is better at playmaking ability but if we are talking strictly about passing (i.e. making difficult passes and having the vision to make those passes) then it is Draisaitl.

 

[AddyTheWrath]

Draisaitl is the better passer. McDavid is the better playmaker.

 

[bobbythebrain]

Drai, Thorton, Sid, Kane, McD and soon to be Zegras

 

[The Moose is Loose]

Also if there is anyone out there who is capable of creating a short highlight reel of gifs of Draisaitl’s passing acumen, that would be amazing to watch. I would do it myself but unfortunately my computer skills are as savy as a 82 year old Amish woman’s.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnSOwBFtKiQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PplS69QURYA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciI6W2EC9dk
https://youtu.be/pIgrZ_HCFnU?t=81
https://youtu.be/SPOqt4rMiZw?t=265
https://youtu.be/Djw5VYV-0s0?t=164
https://youtu.be/MzzzEXt3aqQ?t=187

Here's some youtube clips of Drai's passing. There's definitely some I'm missing if anyone wants to tack on

 

[rec28]

Out of the entire league, only McDrai are named options? C’mon…

 

[TopShelfGloveSide]

Out of the entire league, only McDrai are named options? C’mon…

Then click other and post who…

 

[The Moose is Loose]

Out of the entire league, only McDrai are named options? C’mon…

I put a 3rd option there so you can express your thoughts.

McDrai are 1/2 in the league in assists over the past 6 years. They’re definitely the front runners.

 

[The Moose is Loose]

Tough question. McDavids IQ is generational and with that comes the best decision making in the League in terms of passing. I would say McDavid more consistently chooses the right pass and right options, so his passing has a higher success rate and I think the stats reflect this.

On the other hand, Leon makes more spectacular passes. His highlight reel passes are unmatched whether it’s a blind seeing eye back hand sauce, or a rip from his own end to send McD on a breakaway. These are impressive passes that McDavid doesn’t really try. But with those highlight reel passes comes more trial and error than McDavid, as Leon is more prone to turnovers than McDavid.

It’s a bit of a coin toss, but I’m going with McD on this. I’ll give Leon the better shot and finishing ability though.

This is a very apt analysis

 

[McDNicks17]

Mike Smith.

 

[joestevens29]

Mike Smith.

I want to see Smith in regular gear. Apparently he has a quick snapshot too.

 

[tardigrade81]

Drai without a doubt. At one point I would have said Patrick Kane, but I don’t follow the Hawks much so I don’t know what he is like anymore.

 

[Czechboy]

I'd put Jakub Voracek up there is a pure passer.

Of the 2 Oilers (RNH is tied with them for assists) I'd say McDavid is the better passer. However, Drai is the best backhand passer in the game.

 

[Behind Enemy Lines]

Tough question. McDavids IQ is generational and with that comes the best decision making in the League in terms of passing. I would say McDavid more consistently chooses the right pass and right options, so his passing has a higher success rate and I think the stats reflect this.

On the other hand, Leon makes more spectacular passes. His highlight reel passes are unmatched whether it’s a blind seeing eye back hand sauce, or a rip from his own end to send McD on a breakaway. These are impressive passes that McDavid doesn’t really try. But with those highlight reel passes comes more trial and error than McDavid, as Leon is more prone to turnovers than McDavid.

It’s a bit of a coin toss, but I’m going with McD on this. I’ll give Leon the better shot and finishing ability though.

I think is a solid summary which reflect my opinion too.

But I will add Cale Makar to the list.

 

[Juxta Position]

Draisaitl gets shit on alot because of turnovers, but those of you out there old enough to remember and actually watch Gretzky he would give the puck away multiple times a game as well, the reason is the same reason Draisaitl gives up the puck so much, they try things other won't and just flat out can't do.

now i'm obviously not saying Leon is comparable to Wayne, but what i'm saying is they both have and had elite+ vision. Draisaitl sees passes and the potential for offensive plays that other players simply don't, so when they misfire or get picked off it does looks terrible, but when they work they can burn an entire team with one play.

my vote is definitely Draisaitl.

 

[Chef de Cuisine]

could anyone else in the league make this?

 

[Tobias Kahun]

Also if there is anyone out there who is capable of creating a short highlight reel of gifs of Draisaitl’s passing acumen, that would be amazing to watch. I would do it myself but unfortunately my computer skills are as savy as a 82 year old Amish woman’s.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnSOwBFtKiQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PplS69QURYA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciI6W2EC9dk
https://youtu.be/pIgrZ_HCFnU?t=81
https://youtu.be/SPOqt4rMiZw?t=265
https://youtu.be/Djw5VYV-0s0?t=164
https://youtu.be/MzzzEXt3aqQ?t=187

Here's some youtube clips of Drai's passing. There's definitely some I'm missing if anyone wants to tack on

That second pass might be the best backhand pass ive ever seen

 

[Spawn]

Better passer? Probably Draisaitl

Better playmaker? I think McDavid. He's a higher percentage passer. Draisaitl can make more ridiculous passes, but a lot of times those attempts also get turned over. McDavid doesn't do that as much.

 

[Tobias Kahun]

Better passer? Probably Draisaitl

Better playmaker? I think McDavid. He's a higher percentage passer. Draisaitl can make more ridiculous passes, but a lot of times those attempts also get turned over. McDavid doesn't do that as much.

I think what helps McDavid is his speed opens up more lanes, where Draisaitl prefers to slow the game down.

 

[McDrai]

I'd go with Drai as I've seen him make so many ridiculous backhand passes with that big paddle of his. If we are talking accuracy though it's McDavid as Drai can make his fair share of bad passes.