10 Players That Will Definitely Be Upgraded In NHL 18

Since being drafted third overall in 2014, Oiler fans had been waiting for Leon Draisaitl to have a true breakout year to set himself apart from the long line of drafting disasters Edmonton have had in the past 10 years.

As of the end of the 2016/17 season, fans are fully confident in the development of their dynamic and powerful German forward as one who can share the scoring load with the talismanic Connor McDavid. And rightfully so: Draisaitl just had his best year yet, one goal shy of 30 and adding 48 assists for a terrific 77 point campaign.

It was the postseason however, where Draisaitl truly earned his next paycheck. In Edmonton’s first appearance in the playoffs since 2006, Draisaitl took advantage of the opposition focusing all their defensive attention on neutralising McDavid, and led the Oilers in scoring with 16 points in 13 games. His blistering postseason play was highlighted by an amazing 5 point night including a hat trick against the Anaheim Ducks in the second round, taking Edmonton within one win of the Conference Finals.

His NHL 17 rating of 84 seems positively minuscule now, and Draisaitl has certainly earned a substantial boost in his game stats this year to accompany the big money contract he’s sure to receive from Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli.