Leon Draisaitl: Stats, Contract, Fiancée Celeste Desjardins

There’s a particular kind of glow that comes from a hockey player who has just locked in an eight-figure contract extension and announced an engagement in the same year. Leon Draisaitl isn’t just the Edmonton Oilers’ German superstar with 106 points last season; he’s also navigating a very public relationship timeline with his fiancée, Celeste Desjardins, and planning a wedding.

Age: 29 (born October 27, 1995) ·
Team: Edmonton Oilers (NHL) ·
Position: Forward / Alternate Captain ·
2023-24 Points: 106 (41 goals, 65 assists)

The table below captures the core biographical and career specs for Draisaitl.

How long have Leon and Celeste been together?

Leon Draisaitl and Celeste Desjardins have been together since at least 2018, according to reports. Their relationship became public knowledge when they went Instagram official in June 2018, as noted by YouTube coverage.

When did Leon Draisaitl and Celeste Desjardins start dating?

While the exact start date remains private, sources indicate they began dating in 2018. Wikipedia places the start of their relationship in that year, adding credibility to the timeline.

Are Leon Draisaitl and Celeste Desjardins engaged?

Yes. The couple announced their engagement on July 11, 2024, a fact confirmed by Wikipedia. Desjardins is a Canadian actress and model from Sudbury, Ontario, born on June 14, 1996, per IMDb. Their relationship was reportedly set up by Connor McDavid’s wife, Lauren Kyle McDavid, who had been best friends with Desjardins since high school.

Who is the wealthiest hockey player ever?

Wayne Gretzky is widely regarded as the wealthiest hockey player ever, with an estimated net worth exceeding $250 million from his playing career and endorsements. According to Wikipedia, Gretzky’s earnings from hockey and post-retirement ventures have placed him at the top of the financial hierarchy.

How does Leon Draisaitl’s net worth compare to Wayne Gretzky?

Draisaitl’s wealth is substantial but not yet in Gretzky’s league. His current contract pays $8.5 million annually, and his 2024 extension is worth $14 million per year through 2033, as reported by NHL.com. However, Gretzky’s decades of endorsements and investments create a gap that current players rarely bridge.

Who is the highest paid NHL player in 2025?

As of 2025, Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews hold the highest cap hits in the league, each earning $13.25 million and $13.25 million respectively. Draisaitl’s $14 million average annual value on his new extension will place him among the top tier starting in the 2025-26 season, per NHL.com.

What happened to Leon Draisaitl?

Draisaitl missed several games in the 2024-25 season due to a minor injury. Oilers GM Stan Bowman commented that the absence was a “blessing in disguise” for rest and recovery, as reported by Yahoo Entertainment.

Is Leon Draisaitl injured in 2025?

Yes, he experienced a minor injury during the 2024-25 campaign that kept him out of the lineup for a short stretch. He returned shortly after the break, and his performance did not appear significantly affected.

What did the Oilers GM say about Draisaitl’s injury?

Stan Bowman referred to the injury as a “blessing in disguise,” noting that it gave Draisaitl necessary rest during a grueling season. This comment, cited by Yahoo Entertainment, reflects the team’s cautious approach to player management.

Are Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl friends?

Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl share a professional friendship built on years as Oilers teammates and alternate captains. According to Wikipedia, they are not reported to be close personal friends, but they have a strong working relationship that has driven the team’s success.

Who is Connor McDavid’s best friend on the Oilers?

McDavid’s best friend on the team is often reported to be other players, not Draisaitl. This aligns with reports that their bond is more professional than personal, though mutual respect is high.

Do Draisaitl and McDavid hang out off the ice?

There is little public evidence of off-ice socializing between the two stars. Their dynamic appears focused on hockey, with separate personal circles—Draisaitl’s includes fiancée Celeste Desjardins and McDavid’s includes wife Lauren Kyle McDavid, who set up Draisaitl’s relationship.

What nationality is Celeste Desjardins?

Celeste Desjardins is Canadian, specifically from Sudbury, Ontario. She has French-Canadian heritage, as noted by IMDb.

Where is Celeste Desjardins from?

She was born in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, on June 14, 1996. Her background includes French-Canadian roots, which she occasionally references in social media posts.

Is Celeste Desjardins Canadian?

Yes. She is a Canadian actress and model, having appeared in film and television projects. Her Canadian identity is part of the cross-border dynamic in Draisaitl’s life, given that he is German and plays in Canada.

“A blessing in disguise for rest.”

Stan Bowman, Oilers GM, on Draisaitl’s injury (Yahoo Entertainment)

“So proud of you.”

Leon Draisaitl, on attending fiancée Celeste Desjardins’ film screening (Sportskeeda)

“We’re excited for the next chapter.”

Celeste Desjardins, on engagement (reported by multiple outlets)

“Leon is a generational talent.”

Anonymous NHL scout, cited by Times of India

The pattern across Draisaitl’s career is clear: elite production meets strategic personal timing. For Oilers fans, the combination of his $14M AAV extension, a planned 2025 wedding, and the ongoing Stanley Cup window creates a high-stakes decade. For German hockey followers, the 2026 Olympics remain an open question, with the IOC’s decision on NHL participation the deciding factor. The trade-off for Edmonton’s front office: they locked in a generational talent, but with a cap hit that demands every other contract earn its weight.

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