Connor McDavid reveals which Leon Draisaitl personality makes the most recent addition into NHL's 1000-point club a good friend

Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl reached a major milestone this week becoming the first German-born player in NHL history to record 1,000 career points.

The milestone came during the Oilers game against the Pittsburgh Penguins when Draisaitl picked up an assist on a power-play goal. On the special occasion, Oilers captain Connor McDavid spoke about Draisaitl in an exclusive interview with Jason Gregor of OilersNation offering insight into the teammate fans rarely see.

Asked about his first impressions of Draisaitl when the pair entered the league nearly a decade ago, McDavid pointed immediately to his teammate’s physical presence.

“Just what a big man he is,” McDavid said. “Even at 19, 20 years old he was a big man. I don’t think you understand until you are around him.”

While Draisaitl’s size and skill have long been staples of Edmonton’s attack, McDavid said it’s his off-ice personality that makes him such a good friend.

“I think his sense of humor,” McDavid explained. “Honestly, he’s hilarious. He always has me laughing. He’s definitely a passionate guy. Passionate about hockey, passionate about the things he cares about, the people he cares about and that makes him a good friend.”

McDavid also shared that Draisaitl is known in the locker room for his many impersonations.

“He is great at it,” McDavid said. He does different languages and accents and friends and teammates. He does it all. He’s very funny.”

Leon Draisaitl reached 1,000 points in just 824 NHL games whihc places him among the fastest players in league history to hit the mark. He is also one of only a handful of players to reach 1,000 points in an Oilers uniform.

---

Connor McDavid reveals Leon Draisaitl is a ‘stubborn guy’

The Oilers captain didn’t deny the reputation when the topic turned to Draisaitl’s stubborn side both on and off the ice. He admitted that even during simple board games or non-hockey competitions, Draisaitl’s competitive edge comes out.

While he laughed about it, McDavid made it clear that the trait is a big reason for Draisaitl’s success.

“He can be stubborn, definitely can be stubborn, but I think that’s part of what makes him great, honestly. It is his will to want to compete, to want to be great, but definitely a stubborn guy,” McDavid laughed.

When asked if there was one part of Draisaitl’s game he would steal for himself, McDavid said it would be Draisaitl’s size and puck protection.

“I would say his size. His skilled size and his puck protection. He’s so big and holds guys kind of on his back and makes plays. It’s really, really impressive.”

Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have been playing together since the 2015-16 NHL season when McDavid made his league debut with the Edmonton Oilers. Draisaitl had joined the team one year earlier and the two have now spent a decade as teammates.