Germany's ice hockey team is entering a new era of expectations, spearheaded by the star power of Leon Draisaitl, who has been named captain. The German team aims to raise their international profile at the upcoming Olympics, fueled by Draisaitl’s elite status as a top-five NHL player. Despite the optimism, players like Nico Sturm caution that the competition remains fierce, with every country bringing their best teams. The challenge for Germany is to balance newfound hope against the reality of traditional hockey powerhouses.

By the Numbers
  • Leon Draisaitl has scored 1,036 points in 845 NHL games.
  • The next best all-time German NHL scorer, Marco Sturm, achieved 487 points in 938 games.
State of Play
  • Draisaitl is formally recognized as the face of German ice hockey moving forward.
  • The German team is seen as one of the best they've ever fielded, but expectations may exceed their current capabilities.
What's Next

As the Olympics approach, Germany's team will face off against powerful opponents like Canada and the U.S. The performance in these matches will likely inform the future trajectory of hockey in Germany, highlighting their potential to join the elite ranks.

Bottom Line

The elevation of Draisaitl as captain marks a pivotal moment for German ice hockey, signaling a shift towards broader ambitions. As they aim for more than just participation, the team must leverage Draisaitl's prowess to inspire growth and competitiveness in international play.