Leon Draisaitl was almost a member of an Atlantic Divison team

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Dorin Canaday
September 14, 2022 (8:42)

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Leon Draisaitl wasn't always viewed as a top 10 NHL player. It wasn't until after the 2018-2019 season, when he recorded 50 goals and 55 assists, that the German superstar was finally starting to receive attention around the NHL.

At the same time, the Tampa Bay Lightning put together one of the best seasons in modern league history. The Lightning went 62-16-4 for 128 points. Unfortunately for the Lightning, they were swept by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round of the playoffs.

Looking for answers and to make a chance at the Draft, the Lightning were reportedly looking to trade Nikita Kucherov.

According to Jeff Marek of Sportsnet and the �'32 Thoughts'' podcast with Elliotte Friedman, a potential deal would have landed them Leon Draisaitl.

''Note from the Jeff Marek show today. He's said numerous times that at the 2019 entry draft in Vancouver Tampa was looking to trade Kucherov. Today was the first time I've heard what the rumored return would have been, Leon Draisaitl.''

This move would have moved Kucherov to Connor McDavid's wing, but the real questions are, would the Lightning have won back-to-back Stanley Cups? Would Draisaitl continue producing 100-point seasons?

Marek didn't reveal as to why the deal fell through, but this would have surely changed the course of the NHL.

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