I’m asking this board because you guys know him better than I will by watching a few YouTube vids. One of my favourite things about watching my team is getting to know the subtleties of what make my favourite players special. That’s what I was looking for here… insights that you’ve come to have by watching him every night
Sorry you got a rude reply to an honest question. Personally I think it is always welcoming when other fans make such inquiries and would hope Oiler fans receive similar, positive responses when curious to reach out and ask about players on other teams.
Personally, I've watched Draisaitl play live since his WHL days in Prince Albert. Thought he would project into more of a big, power forward centre type with elite distributor ability and a 30-35 goal scoring rate. His game is obviously driven by super elite hockey sense and drive to become an elite player. I think his goal scoring was propelled by opportunity on team without elite scoring playing so much early in career on McDavid's wing who's penetrating game created open ice for Draisaitl to find soft ice and bury opportunities. Draisaitl's release is absolutely elite in the world and he not only gets his shot away fast but accurately on net.
The sum total of Draisaitl's game, size, strength, elite processor, elite scoring and distributing abilities, face-off and tough minute defending in 5 v 3 short-handed situations stands this player in extremely rare company among the game's best players. Centre/wing versatility adds valuable Swiss Army knife versatility which sees Draisaitl shift to lethal finisher on PP and in-game situations where the Oil need to hunt for goals.