Leon Draisaitl is one of the NHL’s top stars, dominating for the Edmonton Oilers with elite scoring and leadership. As of March 2026, he’s thriving in his new massive contract while chasing another Stanley Cup.
Leon Draisaitl’s Biography
| Detail | Info |
| Full Name | Leon Tim Draisaitl |
| Nickname | Drai |
| Date of Birth | October 27, 1995 |
| Age | 30 years |
| Birthplace | Cologne, Germany |
| Nationality | German |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Junior Team | Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) |
| Position | Center / Left Wing |
| Shoots | Left |
| Current Team | Edmonton Oilers |
| Salary | $16.5 million |
| Spouse | Celeste Desjardins |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @drat_29 |
Born in Cologne to former German national team player Peter Draisaitl, Leon grew up immersed in hockey. He moved to Canada young for junior leagues, building his elite skills there. Now married to Canadian actress Celeste, he balances NHL stardom with a low-key family life.
Early Career
Leon Draisaitl kicked off his hockey path in Germany, playing for Jungadler Mannheim U18 where he dominated with 56 points in 35 games and earned Player of the Year in 2012. Selected second overall in the 2012 CHL Import Draft, he joined the Prince Albert Raiders in the WHL, posting 58 points as a rookie then exploding for 105 points in 2013-14. Traded to Kelowna Rockets mid-2014-15, he led them to the WHL title and Memorial Cup finals, winning playoff MVP honors with 28 points in 19 games.
Professional Career
Drafted third overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 2014, Draisaitl debuted that year with 9 points in 37 games before returning to juniors. He broke out in 2015-16 with 51 points, then signed an 8-year extension in 2017. By 2020, he swept major awards—Art Ross, Hart, and Ted Lindsay—with 110 points.
He’s hit 50+ goals four times, led the league in 2025 with 52 goals (Rocket Richard winner), and reached back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals in 2024 and 2025, though the Oilers fell short both times. Now an alternate captain in his prime, he’s pacing for another 100-point year in 2025-26 with 34 goals already by March. Career totals: 399 goals, 557 assists in 790 games.
Wife
Leon Draisaitl started dating Canadian actress and model Celeste Desjardins in 2018, going public during a Greece vacation. He proposed in July 2024 in Mallorca, Spain—she said yes with an “easiest yes” post. The couple tied the knot on August 3, 2025, keeping things private but sharing sweet moments on Instagram. Celeste, from Sudbury, Ontario, supports Leon at games and through his playoff runs.
Leon Draisaitl’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Leon Draisaitl’s net worth sits around $80 million, fueled by NHL paydays and endorsements. His career earnings top $86 million through 2025, with massive bonuses ahead on his latest deal. Smart investments and brand deals keep his wealth climbing as one of hockey’s richest stars.
Contract
In September 2024, Draisaitl inked an 8-year, $112 million extension with the Edmonton Oilers, starting 2025-26 through 2032-33—the richest AAV ($14 million) in NHL cap era history. It includes $104 million in signing bonuses for backloaded security, with a flat $14 million cap hit each year. This locks in the superstar long-term after his prior 8-year, $68 million pact from 2017 ended.
Annual Salary
Draisaitl’s 2025-26 cash earnings hit $16.5 million ($1 million base + $15.5 million signing bonus), rising to the same next season before dropping to $14 million in 2028-29 and $12 million later. His average annual value stays $14 million against the cap. This structure maximizes early payouts while securing him past 37.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | Salary | Total Earnings |
| 2014-15 | EDM | $831,040 | $831,040 |
| 2015-16 | EDM | $925,000 | $1,756,040 |
| 2016-17 | EDM | $9,000,000 | $10,756,040 |
| 2017-18 | EDM | $9,000,000 | $19,756,040 |
| 2018-19 | EDM | $9,000,000 | $28,756,040 |
| 2019-20 | EDM | $9,000,000 | $37,756,040 |
| 2020-21 | EDM | $9,000,000 | $46,756,040 |
| 2021-22 | EDM | $8,000,000 | $54,756,040 |
| 2022-23 | EDM | $8,000,000 | $62,756,040 |
| 2023-24 | EDM | $8,000,000 | $70,756,040 |
| 2024-25 | EDM | $8,000,000 | $78,756,040 |
| 2025-26 | EDM | $16,500,000 | $95,256,040 |
Endorsements
Draisaitl inks big deals beyond hockey—PUMA’s first NHL athlete since 2021 for training gear, plus Warrior Sports gear, EA Sports (NHL games), SkipTheDishes food delivery, and Sports Interaction betting. These add millions yearly, boosting his off-ice brand with McDavid-level appeal. Expect more as he eyes Olympics flag-bearer role for Germany.
Career Statistics
| Season | Team | GP | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 2014-15 | EDM | 37 | 2 | 7 | 9 |
| 2015-16 | EDM | 72 | 19 | 32 | 51 |
| 2016-17 | EDM | 82 | 29 | 48 | 77 |
| 2017-18 | EDM | 78 | 25 | 45 | 70 |
| 2018-19 | EDM | 82 | 50 | 55 | 105 |
| 2019-20 | EDM | 71 | 43 | 67 | 110 |
| 2020-21 | EDM | 56 | 31 | 53 | 84 |
| 2021-22 | EDM | 80 | 55 | 55 | 110 |
| 2022-23 | EDM | 80 | 52 | 76 | 128 |
| 2023-24 | EDM | 81 | 41 | 65 | 106 |
| 2024-25 | EDM | 71 | 52 | 54 | 106 |
| 2025-26* | EDM | 61** | 34 | 58** | 92** |
| Total | 790 | 399 | 557 | 956 |
FAQs
1. Who is Leon Draisaitl?
Leon Draisaitl is a German professional ice hockey centre for the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL. Born October 27, 1995, in Cologne, Germany, he stands 6’2″ tall and weighs 209 lbs.
2. What team does Leon Draisaitl play for?
He plays for the Edmonton Oilers, wearing jersey number 29. Drafted third overall in 2014, he has been with the team his entire NHL career.
3. What are his major awards?
Draisaitl won the Art Ross Trophy, Hart Memorial Trophy, and Ted Lindsay Award in 2020 as the first German player to do so. He also won the Rocket Richard Trophy in 2025 for leading the league with 52 goals.
4. What is his career stats summary?
Through the 2025-26 season, he has played 845 games with 428 goals, 608 assists, and 1036 points. He hit 50+ goals multiple times, including 52 in 2024-25.
5. Where was Leon Draisaitl born and raised?
Born in Cologne, Germany, he was raised there and developed with Kölner EC youth team. His family has deep hockey roots in Germany.
6. Who are Leon Draisaitl’s parents?
His father, Peter Draisaitl, is a former professional hockey player and coach in Germany. His mother, Sandra, is German; both influenced his career.
7. Who is Leon Draisaitl engaged to?
He is engaged to Canadian model and actress Celeste Desjardins since July 2024. They have been together since 2018.
8. What is Leon Draisaitl’s current contract?
He signed an 8-year, $112 million extension in 2024, starting 2025-26 with a $14 million AAV, the highest cap hit in NHL history.
9. What is his best NHL season?
In 2021-22, he scored 55 goals and 110 points. In 2019-20, he led the league with 110 points in 71 games, earning MVP honors.
10. Has he won a Stanley Cup?
No, he has not won a Stanley Cup. The Oilers reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2024 but lost; he has deep playoff runs but no championship yet.