NHL: Draisaitl without fear of renewed concussion

After his survived concussion, national striker Leon Draisaitl plays without fear of another injury to the head. When you think about it,”you’re not ready to play. It doesn’t make sense.”

“I waited long enough to make sure nothing could happen,”said the 22-year-old in an interview with Sport1.

Edmonton Oilers, the professional of NHL club Edmonton Oilers, got a concussion in mid-October after a check against the Winnipeg Jets. After a two-week break, the center quickly regained its former strength. Draisaitl scored a goal himself in his 2-1 win over the New York Islanders on Wednesday night, while the second goal was played.

Draisaitl regrets that he will not be able to compete for Germany at next year’s Olympics because the NHL and the IOC couldn’t come to an agreement:”It’s a pity, of course, but unfortunately it’s not my decision,”said ex-national player Peter Draisaitl’s son.

Draisaitl won’t be able to make it to the German Cup in Augsburg on Friday because of his parallel NHL matches.

At the Olympic endurance test, he trusts his team-mates “a lot” – especially because of the national coach:”I think that we have built something very good with Marco Sturm in recent years and that the team is largely together. “Of course, that helps with chemistry, self-confidence and communication.”