The Edmonton Oilers’ offensive powerhouse, Leon Draisaitl, made headlines by securing his first Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy on Thursday. It's a fitting accolade for a player who, despite a season interrupted by injuries, managed to top the NHL with an impressive 52 goals. His fiancée, Celeste Desjardins, couldn’t contain her excitement and shared her support on Instagram, adding a personal touch to his remarkable achievement.
Desjardins took a moment to celebrate Draisaitl with an NHL graphic on her story, coupled with a heartfelt message: “I’m so proud of you, baby! It’s all in you, keep going!!!!
I love you!!!” The emotional tribute was rounded off with a white heart emoji, showcasing the personal bond behind the public success.
The Maurice Richard Trophy isn’t handed out to just anyone; it’s awarded to the league’s top goal scorer at the close of the regular season. Draisaitl’s achievement solidifies his status as one of the premier talents in the NHL, capping a season where he also notched up 106 points in just 71 games. His performance tied him for third place in overall points with the Boston Bruins’ David Pastrnak, illustrating the kind of elite company he's keeping these days.
In his 11th season with the Oilers, Draisaitl has proven his mettle before, having already graced his trophy cabinet with the Hart Memorial and Art Ross Trophies in the 2019-20 season. Back then, his league-leading 110 points and 67 assists earned him MVP honors from the Professional Hockey Writers Association.
As the Oilers brace for the postseason, Draisaitl is expected to be a crucial component in their quest for Stanley Cup glory. Finishing the regular season with a 48-29-5 record, Edmonton secured the third seed in the Pacific Division.
This sets them up for an exciting first-round face-off against the Los Angeles Kings, starting Monday in LA. The Oilers come into this with the momentum of six consecutive playoff appearances, although they’ll be eager to improve on last season’s narrow defeat to the Panthers in a dramatic seven-game Stanley Cup Final.
Beyond the rink, Leon’s connection with Desjardins, an accomplished actress known for roles in the series "Taken" and the movie "Fashionably in Love," has been as steady as his on-ice performances. The couple, together since 2018 and engaged since last July, continues to draw fan interest as much for their off-ice chemistry as for Leon’s hockey prowess.
As for Draisaitl’s physical condition, the German forward concluded the season leading the NHL in goals despite missing 11 games from injury — including the season finale against the Sharks. Sidelined on multiple occasions, his absence during crucial games highlighted the toll the season had taken. However, his teammate and Oilers captain, Connor McDavid, expressed confidence that Draisaitl will be ready to bring his A-game to the playoff series.
“Everybody is going to feel the same way coming out of that, and we’ll be ready to roll,” McDavid remarked, emphasizing the team’s readiness to tackle the challenges ahead.
Keep an eye on Monday’s clash, as the Oilers take on the Kings in what promises to be a thrilling start to the playoffs. With Los Angeles holding home-ice advantage, the stage is set for a gripping contest right out of the gate.
