When a star player speaks up like Leon Draisaitl did last night, the whole organization pays attention and will likely make some changes.
Draisaitl surprised everyone in the hockey community with his straightforward criticism about some big problems with the Oilers this season. He pointed out the team’s bad defense, issues with goalkeeping, and even the coaching.
We’re not good at defending. Our penalty killing isn’t strong at all.
We need to do a better job on defense and make things easier for [Jarry]. I’m sure he can improve his game too. … There are saves our goalies must make at certain moments.
We require everyone to step up. It starts with the coaches. If only 4 or 5 players are trying, we won’t win games. It begins at the top. We can do better, and our leaders can step it up.
– Leon Draisaitl
“Just not good enough right now.”
Leon Draisaitl shares his thoughts after the #Oilers defeat in Calgary. @Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/PUJgUlly5Y
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) February 5, 2026
The Oilers will likely respond after Leon Draisaitl’s comments about problems within the organization. Draisaitl is among the few players in the NHL who can afford to critique the coaching staff, and the organization may back him. His comments indicate that changes might be necessary, or the Coach might not be suitable for the job.
Some responsibility falls on the players to perform, which Draisaitl highlighted, including those on skates and the goalies. They need to handle the puck wisely to limit the high-quality chances the other team gets.
Nevertheless, part of the problem might stem from the coaching staff. The strategies they are using this season haven’t really worked. With 58 games played and more losses than wins, it’s about time to make some big changes.
However, the most significant thing Draisaitl pointed out was that you can’t win games relying on just 5 players.
Luke Gazdic joined the boys to talk about Draisaitl’s Post-Game comments.
Presented by @DerrickDodgeYeg @nielsonTSN1260 @Lieutenant_Eric @lukegazdic pic.twitter.com/eoQoPUagjy
— Edmonton Sports Talk (@yegsportstalk) February 5, 2026
Coach Knoblauch has been depending way too much on Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to win matches. These two stars often play around 25 minutes each game, while some players hardly get any time on the ice. Curtis Lazar has played well as a 4th line center this season, but last night he only played for 4 minutes and 24 seconds. What’s the point of even having him play?
Draisaitl understands that winning a Stanley Cup requires the entire team, and every player has to contribute to succeed in the tough playoff season. If the Coach only relies on the top two lines, those players will get too tired after just one playoff series. Because of this strategy, it makes sense that the Oilers just achieved their first three-game winning streak.
If Draisaitl is sharing these opinions, it means that other players likely feel the same way.
By speaking out like this, Draisaitl is pushing the Coach to make some changes, or the coaching staff could get replaced. Draisaitl has signaled to the organization that something needs to be done.
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