The possible journey of Leon Draisaitl occupies the German Ice Hockey Federation at the World Cup in Finland and Latvia. After three World Cup defeats so far, will the superstar actually come to Tampere?
After three unfortunate defeats in the first three preliminary round games, Germany’s national ice hockey team is still hoping for top star Leon Draisaitl to take part in the World Cup belatedly.
The world-class striker could travel to Finland following the playoff end with the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL. “Of course we would like him to come, we can use him,” said captain Moritz Müller after the 3-2 defeat in Tampere against the USA, who again revealed problems in the offensive.
Draisaitl also has a responsibility for German ice hockey, said Müller in view of the direct Olympic qualification, for which Germany is also playing at the World Cup. “That applies to anyone who can play ice hockey well in Germany,” said the Kölner Haie defender, but qualified: “I can’t assess the situation Leon is in. It wasn’t an easy situation for him either Edmonton.”
Müller announced that he would seek direct contact with Draisaitl. “He just left, then you don’t want to write five minutes after the final whistle,” said the 36-year-old: “Maybe you have to let him sleep over it for a night.”
Draisaitl eliminated with Oilers
Draisaitl was eliminated with the Oilers after a 5-2 loss in Sunday’s sixth game of the series against the Vegas Golden Knights. The NHL season ended for him in spite of another outstanding personal season with a bitter disappointment. He had 13 goals and five assists in the playoffs and a whopping 146 points all season.
Should Draisaitl decide to travel to Finland and want to help the DEB selection, he would probably not be available until the end of the week. The German team meets Denmark on Thursday after two days without a game. The selection of the new national coach Harold Kreis probably has to win all four remaining group games in order to reach the minimum goal of quarter-finals.
“It would be an incredible reinforcement for the team, of course,” said NHL defender Moritz Seider from the Detroit Red Wings: “I think everyone would be happy. But I don’t think we’re just speculating that Leon will come. I I think that would make things too easy for ourselves.”
Source: Stern
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