Edmonton Oilers superstar center Leon Draisaitl speaking with the media after a game

Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers

Leon Draisaitl just released a personal message to fans of the Oilers for the first time since the team lost the Stanley Cup finals to the Florida Panthers.

Unsurprisingly, the German born center was highly grateful to Oilers fans following the tough end to the season. The stakes had never been higher for this Oilers team as they entered game seven of the finals, but their miraculous comeback fell just short as the Panthers avoided humiliation.

However, Leon Draisaitl did reveal that he believes the Oilers learned from this run and are better for it. It sounds like he is more determined than ever to win it all for oil country.

“A bitter end to a tremendous season. I am confident the growth our group experienced will propel us to the top. Thank you Oil Country for your unwavering support all season long.” – #Oilers Leon Draisaitl

#LetsGoOilers

Likewise, Oilers fans showed their support for Draisaitl in the comments. One commentor spoke to how he played through the pain in the playoffs, as he reportedly was playing through multiple broken bones.

This guy had a broken finger and rib. Best playoff performer of this generation, even though he keeps getting badly injured in the playoffs. Imagine a healthy Drai!

Naturally, this has become part of a larger conversation surrounding Draisaitl. The superstar has been in rumors since the season ended as he is entering the final year of his contract with the team.

Could this be his last campaign with the Oilers? As unlikely as it seems, Shayna Goldman of the Athletic reflects on the possibilities.

With Leon Draisaitl’s next contract, cost and term are just one part of the conversation. There’s also the decision on staying the No.2 to McDavid’s No.1 or trying to be a team’s leading star elsewhere.

Most likely, Draisaitl will spend most, if not the rest, of his career with the Oilers. Still though, this year could be crucial for him as he makes his decision.

Hopefully the team has another strong performance, perhaps even propelling them to their next Stanley Cup.