The regular season is not over yet. But if it were, Leon Draisaitl should lead the NHL’s MVP voting. There are many reasons why I believe that. But number one is that he leads the league in the very hardest thing there is to do in hockey.

Draisaitl also leads all MVP candidates in on-ice goals share (69.4%), as well as expected goals share (66%). With Draisaitl on the ice, the Oilers are generating 5.09 goals per 60 minutes while allowing only 2.62. He has the best xG differential in the league this season, at 58.7.

The Edmonton Oilers have won four times in 11 games since returning from the two-week recess. A clutch 2-1 overtime victory over the New York Islanders on Friday reclaimed second place in the Pacific Division.