After an outstanding 2019-20 season, Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl will have another award to add to his collection.
The Cologne, Germany native became the first ice hockey player, and only second team-sport athlete to win Germany's Sportsperson of the Year award in it's 73-year history. The award is voted on by members of Germany's media.
"What a great honour for me to be voted by so many journalists," Draisaitl said of his latest accolade. "Thank you for your votes and support. It's been an incredible year and I am very proud to finish 2020 as Germany's athlete of the year."
Another one for Leon! 🏆
The #Oilers forward has been selected as Germany's Sportsman of the Year, just the second team-sport athlete to receive the prestigious honour in the 73-year history of the award, joining @NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki. https://t.co/D9fCYOtPjM— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) December 20, 2020
Draisaitl, 25, had the best season of his young career during the 2019-20 season. In 71 regular season games, he tallied 110 points (43 G, 67 A), 18 penalty minutes, and was a -7. In 4 playoff games, he put up 6 points (3 G, 3 A), 0 penalty minutes, and was a +1.
For his efforts, Draisaitl won the Art Ross Trophy for most points during the regular season, the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP, and the Ted Lindsay Award as MVP selected by the NHLPA.
Draisaitl was drafted in the first round, 3rd overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2014 NHL entry draft. In 422 regular season games, he has 422 points (168 G, 254 A), 144 penalty minutes, and is a -24. In 17 career playoff games, he's recorded 22 points (9 G, 13 A), 19 penalty minutes, and is a +9.
Internationally, Draisaitl has represented Germany on multiple occasions, most recently at the 2019 IIHF World Hockey Championships where he was named an alternate captain. In 8 games, he had 8 points (5 G, 3 A), 0 penalty minutes, and was a -1 as Germany finished sixth following a loss to the Czech Republic in the quarter-final.
