Leon Draisaitl shifts focus to Selke Trophy ambitions after Rocket Richard success

As the 2025-26 NHL season approaches, Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl is setting his sights on a new challenge. Known primarily as one of the league’s most dangerous goal scorers, the German forward is now aiming to strengthen his defensive game in hopes of entering the Selke Trophy conversation.

Leon Draisaitl looking to add two-way strength to his game

Draisaitl, who captured the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy last season with 52 goals in just 71 games, made it clear that his next goal is to round out his overall play. “I’d like to be in the Selke conversation at the end of this year,” Draisaitl told NHL.com. “There’s a lot of things that go into that, and a lot of things that I can learn and get better at. There’s also a lot of things I think I do really well already. Just looking to chip away at it and get even better.

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His drive to evolve defensively comes as the Oilers once again fell short in the Stanley Cup Final, losing to the Florida Panthers for a second straight year. Draisaitl believes improving his two-way presence can give Edmonton the extra push it needs to get over the hump.

Oilers’ future rests on core stars

Despite back-to-back heartbreaks in the Final, the Oilers still boast one of the NHL’s most formidable cores. Draisaitl begins a new $112 million contract this season, while Connor McDavid’s contract situation looms large over the franchise. Draisaitl has expressed his hope that McDavid remains in Edmonton, saying, “Of course I want him here for as long as possible. I want to do it with him.”Also Read: Why Connor McDavid might walk away from Edmonton Oilers, according to bombshell report on extension talksWith his offensive brilliance already proven, Draisaitl’s commitment to becoming a stronger defensive force could redefine his legacy — and perhaps give the Oilers the balance they need to finally lift the Cup.