'It's Going to Be Hard to Put This Text Away': What Leon Draisaitl Texted Sam O'Reilly to Welcome Him to the Oilers
EDMONTON -- Leon Draisaitl knows a thing or two about being drafted high.
After all, the Edmonton Oilers alternate captain was selected third overall in the 2014 NHL entry draft.
So when Draisaitl sends you a message, you'll remember that for a very long time. At least that's the way that newly drafted Oilers forward Sam O'Reilly feels.
"It's going to be hard to put this text away," O'Reilly says with a smile.
Edmonton Oilers draft Sam O'Reilly. Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
So what did the text say? O'Reilly reads it out loud, "Hey kiddo, it's Leon Draisaitl here. Happy to have you a part of our organization man. Enjoy the night with your family and friends, it's special. The fun is only starting now, believe it or not. All the best. See you in a couple months."
After he reads the text, someone walking with him asks him about what it's like to get a "text like that" from a Hart Trophy winner. O'Reilly smiles, "I'm not really going to be able to process that for a bit, I know that. It means the world."
Leon Draisaitl. Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
"It's something I'll remember (for) the rest of my life. It's going to be hard to put this text away.
O'Reilly was selected 32nd overall in the 2024 draft. The Oilers made a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers to acquire the pick. They sent a conditional 2025 first round pick to the Flyers for the 32nd overall selection. They then used that selection on O'Reilly from the London Knights.
O'Reilly produced 56 points in 68 games played for the Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He had a stellar playoffs with 12 points in 16 games.
There were a few surprises to come out of the first round of the draft. The Oilers trading up to select O'Reilly was certainly one of them. We wait and see what other surprises will happen before Monday.
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