Leon Draisaitl has been the Edmonton Oilers best player all season long, which has put his name in the Hart Trophy conversation for MVP - but Coach Knoblauch thinks he deserves even more.
The German Gretzky put a stamp on his MVP candidacy in last night's game with a two goal performance in the Oilers 2-1 overtime winner, and after the game he was quite emotional reflecting on the year.
Edmontom Oilers coach Knoblauch argues Leon Draisaitl deserves Selke Trophy for this season
Reflecting on Draisaitl's incredible season after last night's game, Coach Knoblauch pushed the case beyond just a Hart Trophy season - Knoblauch argued that Draisaitl deserves the Selke Trophy for best defensive player too.
I can't see why he wouldn't. He's been doing it all. Not only Hart Trophy, but Selke Trophy - the defensive plays he makes every single night.- Coach Knoblauch
Coach Knoblauch even jokingly took a shot a bit at Draisaitl's most usual linemates - Vasily Podkolzin, Viktor Arvidsson, and Corey Perry - saying the Draisaitl is good enough to carry lesser players and compete against other team's top lines. It's be incredible to watch.
You look at other lines with star players and who they get to play with. I don't want to take away from the players he's playing with but he's not playing with guys who are making Olympic teams or All-Stars. It's a credit to him, obviously.
Draisaitl's one man dominance this season has absolutely extended beyond just offence. His second line could even be considered the Oilers top line this season given that they've actually produced better results than the first. He's not usually known for defence, but this year has been special.
Draisaitl deserves the recognition for his incredible season with both the Selke and Hart. It's been an incredible performance, and after signing a contract to make him a lifetime Oiler, he's paying back the city of Edmonton with a phenomenal year.
