Leon Draisaitl will don the ‘C’ for the Germans at the 2026 Olympics, something his teammates said was a no-brainer decision for the team.

For Draisaitl, it won’t be the first time that he’s worn a letter while representing his country on the international stage, wearing an ‘A’ at the 2014 World Juniors, and an ‘A’ at the 2019 World Championships.

But this honour means just a little bit more.

“As he should be (the captain),” Detroit Red Wings defenceman and German teammate Moritz Seider told NHL.com. “He’s a top-five player in the world right now, and if anyone doesn’t know him then I think you’re doing something wrong in the hockey world. You should Google him and you’ll find plenty of videos of highlights. I think that speaks for itself.

“The way he looks at the game will help a lot of guys. He’s detailed about little things, is always in the right spot, rarely makes mistakes in the offensive zone, holds onto pucks forever and really makes it tough for the defensemen to strip pucks from him. If he gives that to some of our young guys, it’ll be big-time. Obviously we need one or more goals from him, but I think he probably sets high expectations for himself and is probably just on us to make sure he’s comfortable and he knows he has plenty of support because it’s not a one-man show. You can’t win hockey games with just one guy.”

Seider, who will wear an A, will do so alongside Ottawa Senators centre Tim Süttzle, who talked about the impact Draisaitl has had on their country, and the sport in general.

“He’s a huge role model, especially in Germany, but even in Canada and the NHL he’s a huge role model,” he told NHL.com. “Everybody loves him. Obviously, I’m really happy for him; he really deserves it.

“I think there’s a lot of great leaders in the room as well, and everybody is going to help him out, but he’s a great leader himself. It’ll be awesome to see him and see him play his game.”

Draisaitl isn’t a stranger to playing for his country, but this year’s trip to the Olympics ends the longest streak in his career without pulling the German sweater over his head. The 2019 World Championships were the last time he was on the ice with his fellow countrymen.

Another teammate, Seattle Kraken netminder Philipp Grubauer, called Draisaitl a great leader.

“Obviously a huge honor (sic) for him,” he told NHL.com. “We’re happy to have him as a captain and representing Germany in the opening ceremony with the flag.

“What he does the whole year, the last couple of years with Edmonton, it’s been amazing. A great leader. Great to have him in the room and excited to get going.”

Draisaitl and the Germans kick off their Olympic schedule on Thursday afternoon, facing Denmark at 1:10 pm MT.

Zach Laing is Oilersnation’s managing editor, and The Nation Network’s news director. He also makes up one-half of the Daily Faceoff DFS Hockey Report. He can be followed on X at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach.laing@bettercollective.com.

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