Leon Draisaitl is one of the best hockey players in the world. At the World Cup, however, he will no longer be able to support the German national team.
Tampere – Three bankruptcies at the start of the Ice Hockey World Championships, the early exit in sight and the threat of missing the Olympic qualification. Anyone who thought that things couldn't get any worse for the German skaters this May is now getting the next nasty check: Leon Draisaitl will not travel to the World Championship.
| Leon Draisaitl | |
| Born: | 27 October 1995 (age 27 years), Cologne |
| Stages: | Kölner EC, Jungadler Mannheim, Kelowna Rockets, Edmonton Oilers |
| Achievements (among others): | Art Ross Trophy, Hart Memorial Trophy, Ted Lindsay Award, Germany's Sportsman of the Year |
Draisaitl decision made: Bitter news for Germany at the Ice Hockey World Championships
Possibly the best ice hockey player in the world at the moment has cancelled the DEB. According to sporting director Christian Künast, it is "not possible to realize his participation in the World Cup in the short time available". Draisaitl himself had reported after the NHL playoff with the Oilers on Tuesday (local time) in Edmonton of talks with the German Ice Hockey Federation. "There are a few things that need to be clarified. We'll see," the 27-year-old said. After that, the decision was made in a telephone conversation with Kuenast.
Künast commented on the talks with the Cologne native: "After 92 NHL games, including two intense series, he now simply needs time to recover from the exertions and regenerate physically. Especially since there are also exit meetings and media appointments with the Oilers on site." Draisaitl had the most successful NHL season of his career so far with a phenomenal 146 scoring points.
DEB sporting director Christian Künast (right) has to do without the services of superstar Leon Draisaitl. © USA TODAY Network / ActionPictures / Imago
DEB has "full understanding" for Draisaitl cancellation
On Monday night, the Edmonton Oilers were defeated by the Vegas Golden Knights in the sixth game. A big problem for Draisaitl would have been getting to Tampere in time. The DEB has "full understanding in view of his role with the Oilers" for the cancellation.
At the beginning of the Ice Hockey World Championships in Finland and Latvia, the DEB selection had to deal with three absolute top opponents. Germany kept up well, but always lost by one goal: they lost 0-1 to Sweden, lost 3-4 to Finland and lost 2-3 to the USA.
Germany at the Ice Hockey World Championships with their backs to the wall
In order to qualify for the quarter-finals, the remaining preliminary round matches against Denmark on Thursday (19.20 CET/Sport1 and MagentaSport), Austria, Hungary and France must be won.
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Otherwise, the desired direct qualification for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan would also be gone. According to the current status, the NHL players will then also take part in the Olympics for the first time since 2014.
Kuenast's efforts to get Draisaitl in vain
Kuenast himself had reported until the end that he would "meticulously" strive for the best German to participate in the World Cup. "Leon Draisaitl – even for a game would be worthwhile. We don't need to discuss that," Kuenast said on Sunday before the Oilers' playoffs. Things turned out differently. (akl/dpa)
