The NHLPA’s announcement of the finalists for the Ted Lindsay Award came. It is given annually to the league’s most outstanding player as voted by peers. And it has now delivered a curveball that’s now dominating headlines. Though the list includes three of the game’s most electric talents, one familiar name was notably left off. Yes, Leon Draisaitl’s absence is raising eyebrows across the hockey world.
ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski didn’t hide his surprise about this surprise. He shared his reaction on X. The seasoned hockey writer wrote, “Bit of a surprise here,” in response to Draisaitl’s absence from the finalists for the Ted Lindsay Award. The Edmonton Oilers’ star forward has long been one of the most consistent offensive weapons in the league. And his absence, alongside finalists Nikita Kucherov, Nathan MacKinnon, and Cale Makar, sparked immediate debate among the fans and pundits alike in social media.
The @NHLPA has announced that Nikita Kucherov, Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are the three finalists for the 2024-25 Ted Lindsay Award. #NHLAwards: https://t.co/YoDd7GcZtC pic.twitter.com/eUFhg2wbxV
— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) April 30, 2025
Draisaitl’s season wasn’t just good; it was elite. With his commanding presence on the ice, the German forward often stepped up when the spotlight was brightest. And remember, this was all while sharing the stage with superstar Connor McDavid. Leon Draisaitl’s playmaking, goal scoring, and ability to elevate the Oilers in crunch moments make his absence even more confusing and frustrating for his supporters.
What this means moving forward for the game and Leon Draisaitl
Some argue this could reflect a shift in how players are valuing roles beyond traditional goal-scoring leaders. Kucherov’s offensive flair for Tampa Bay, Makar’s blueline brilliance, and MacKinnon’s all-around dominance for Colorado were all exceptional—and yet Draisaitl’s own all-around impact remains undeniable.
According to ESPN, in the 2024-25 regular NHL season, Leon Draisaitl tallied 106 points in 71 games (52 goals, 54 assists), ranking tied for third in NHL scoring while leading the league in goals. He also registered a +32 rating (tied-10th) and paced the NHL with 11 game-winning goals, 16 power-play goals, and 6 overtime tallies.
In the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs so far, Draisaitl has produced 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists) in five games, extending his postseason hot streak. These elite figures underscore exactly why his omission from the Ted Lindsay finalists has struck so many as bewildering.
This also marks a rare year where a player of Leon Draisaitl’s caliber, with previous Ted Lindsay nominations and consistent elite-level output, finds himself on the outside. It begs the question. Has he become a victim of voter fatigue or shifting priorities? Expected excellence sometimes becomes paradoxically invisible. And this phenomenon, where voters subconsciously seek novelty or fresh narratives, has affected other high performers in various sports.
The omission might light a fire under Draisaitl as the Oilers gear up for deeper playoff contention. As fans and pundits debate the finalists, one thing remains clear—Greg Wyshynski’s reaction mirrors the sentiment of many. Leon Draisaitl deserved better. Whether this snub fuels his postseason narrative or fades away will depend on what happens on the ice in the weeks ahead.
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