Edmonton Oilers coach says Leon Draisaitl will start camp at centre

One of the big questions for the Edmonton Oilers going into the 2017-18 National Hockey League season is where Leon Draisaitl will play.

On Aug. 16, Draisaitl signed a new eight-year contract worth $68 million. In 2016-17, he finished the season eighth in NHL scoring with 77 points. He spent most of the season playing on Connor McDavid’s right wing but he also did well at centre when he was moved to his own line.

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In an exclusive interview with Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer in Penticton this weekend, Oilers’ head coach Todd McLellan provided some clarity to Draisaitl’s position when camp opens on Sept. 15.

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“Everything seems to centre around Leon and/or Connor playing centre ice or the wing,” McLellan said. “You’ll see Leon in two positions this year. You’ll see him on the wing at some point and you’ll see him playing centre. We’ll likely open camp with him at centre.”

Listen below: Bob Stauffer’s full interview with McLellan, as they also talk about expectations, depth on defence and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins: