UNLOCK CUTTING EDGE COACHING CONTENT

Activate a 30 day free trial of TCS+ to access this full post, along with the latest drills, tactics and leadership lessons from hockey's top coaches.

START FREE TRIAL
LOG IN
Is Leon Draisaitl the Smartest Player in the NHL?

Is Leon Draisaitl the Smartest Player in the NHL?

Danny Heath Photo
Danny Heath
361 Views

Leon Draisaitl isn’t just an offensive force—he’s one of the smartest players in the NHL. In this clip, Draisaitl locks down Jack Eichel in the offensive zone, using his positioning, stick work, and elite awareness to kill time and control the play. But here’s the next-level Hockey IQ move: He buys enough time to allow his linemates to get a clean change without giving up possession. This is the kind of subtle, high-level play that separates good players from elite difference-makers. Inside the Project Hockey IQ App, we break down these moments every day: ✅ Full shift breakdowns to study real decision-making ✅ Learn how pros control the game without the puck ✅ Interactive lessons to build YOUR Hockey IQ Want to play smarter like Draisaitl?






copyright (c) 2026 The Coaches Site