Seven German ice hockey players are currently showcasing their talents in the NHL as playoff scenarios develop. Leon Draisaitl leads the league in scoring and has a strong chance of reaching the playoffs with the Oilers. John-Jason Peterka and Tim Stützle face challenges with their respective teams. Moritz Seider is pushing for a playoff spot with the Red Wings, while Philipp Grubauer’s Kraken are unlikely to make it. Nico Sturm joins the Panthers, who are poised for another playoff run.
German Stars in the NHL: Playoff Prospects
Currently, seven German ice hockey talents are making their mark in the NHL. As the season approaches its climax, the playoff scenarios unfold differently for each player. Some are on the brink of playoff glory, while others are focused on finishing the season strongly before the regular season wraps up on April 18.
Key Players and Their Playoff Chances
Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers stands out with his impressive 52 goals this season, contributing significantly to his team’s recent 3-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on April 2, 2025. Despite a brief injury setback, Draisaitl leads the league in scoring, and ESPN gives the Oilers a remarkable 99.5% chance of reaching the playoffs, keeping alive Draisaitl’s hope for his first Stanley Cup after last year’s finals.
Meanwhile, John-Jason Peterka of the Buffalo Sabres recently enjoyed a 5-2 win against fellow German Tim Stützle but faces a tough road ahead. Currently positioned near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, the Sabres need a miracle to secure a playoff spot, despite Peterka having a stellar season with 60 points in 69 games.
For Stützle and the Ottawa Senators, things look relatively better. Even after a loss to Buffalo, the Senators sit seventh in the East, holding a seven-point cushion above the elimination zone. However, their recent form has faltered, with five losses in the last eight games, despite Stützle’s impressive 71 points this season.
Moritz Seider leads the Detroit Red Wings in their pursuit of a playoff spot, trailing the Senators by just nine points. With a strong push needed, every game counts for Detroit, especially after their close 1-2 overtime defeat against the St. Louis Blues.
In Seattle, goaltender Philipp Grubauer’s season had ups and downs, including a stint with the Coachella Valley Firebirds. However, he returned to form against the Dallas Stars, saving 28 of 30 shots, though the Kraken will miss the playoffs once again.
Lukas Reichel’s Chicago Blackhawks are in a rebuilding phase, sitting near the bottom of the league with 51 points. This situation could potentially benefit the team in the upcoming draft, allowing them to secure fresh talent.
Lastly, Nico Sturm has transitioned from the struggling San Jose Sharks to the Florida Panthers, the reigning champions with a near-certain playoff berth (99.9% chance). As a valuable faceoff specialist, Sturm aims to help the Panthers make a third consecutive Stanley Cup Finals appearance.