Draisaitl thrilled to be recognized by Messier

Monday, 06.09.2014 / 6:24 PM

By Adam Kimelman - NHL.com Deputy Managing Editor / 2014 NHL Draft blog

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2014 NHL Draft blog
Draisaitl thrilled to be recognized by Messier

NEW YORK -- Leon Draisaitl is a known commodity among NHL scouts and general managers after his outstanding season with the Prince Albert Raiders of the Western Hockey League.

But when members of the Hockey Hall of Fame recognize you, well, that's pretty special.

Draisaitl and the other top prospects for the 2014 NHL Draft were leaving a TSN set after taping a segment when they crossed paths with Mark Messier, who was to be next on the set. Messier introduced himself to the star-struck prospects; when Draisaitl said his name, Messier had an immediate reaction.

"Are you related to Peter Draisaitl?" Messier asked Leon.

Peter Draisaitl, Leon's father, played professional hockey for 18 seasons in Germany, including four seasons with the Cologne Sharks. During that time Messier would skate in Cologne in the offseason and became friendly with Peter.

"He used to skate a couple times with my dad when my dad used to play in Cologne," Leon said. "They kind of know each other. It's awesome to talk to a person like that for sure."

Messier asked how Peter Draisaitl was doing before the prospects and Messier went their separate ways. However, Leon was left beaming over being recognized by one of the game's greatest players.

"I knew he knew my dad but I didn't think he knows me," Leon said. "I was a little bit surprised about that."

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