The 2023–24 season was one of those classic Oilers emotional roller coasters—equal parts hope, panic, and outright disbelief. After a 2022–23 playoff run that ended at the hands of the eventual Cup winners (yes, again), expectations for the new campaign were sky-high. The narrative wrote itself: vengeance tour, unfinished business, that kind of thing. What we got instead was… well, a 3–9–1 start and a November coaching change. So much for smooth sailing.

Jay Woodcroft, who actually posted one of the best winning percentages in Oilers coaching history (.643—just a whisker behind Sather), was sent packing after a rock-bottom loss to the league’s basement-dwelling Sharks on November 9. Fittingly, Leon wore this very jersey that night in San Jose. The vibes were not immaculate.

In came Kris Knoblauch, plucked from the Rangers’ AHL farm team and suddenly tasked with steering a sinking ship back to playoff contention. Against all odds, it worked. Under Knoblauch, the Oilers clawed their way back, and by the end of the season, things looked a lot more like what fans had hoped for back in October.

And through it all? Leon Draisaitl, as steady and lethal as ever: 41 goals, 65 assists, and a +26 over 81 games. Oh, and all on a bargain-bin $8 million cap hit—still one of the best contracts in the league. The man did not coast through his contract year.

The Jersey: Tagged Twice, Worn Hard (But Not Too Hard)

This particular jersey comes from the 2023–24 season Set 1, and like many Oilers alternate captains, Draisaitl rotated between two jerseys per set—one bearing the “A”, and one without. This is the one without the “A”, which generally saw less action, likely used in fewer games, mostly concentrated in November.

What’s interesting (and a first for me): it’s tagged twice—once as Preseason Set, and once as Set 1. You can actually spot both tags in certain game photos, which is rare and raises a few questions. Common practice or an equipment quirk? Either way, it adds a layer of mystery and authenticity.

I was lucky to snag this one—it was posted online by the Oilers team store, seemingly at random, during an unremarkable evening in 2025. I just happened to be checking the site when a small batch of older jerseys went live. In typical game-worn fashion, they disappeared fast, but this one ended up in my cart. Right place, right time.

Game-Worn Jersey
Edmonton Oilers
2023/2024 NHL Season
Pre Season Set & White Set #1 – B00048
Adidas Primegreen
Made In Canada – Size 56

Photo-matching

Despite being the “backup” of the pair, the jersey did see real ice—and took some damage doing it.

  • November 9, 2023 – Edmonton Oilers vs. San Jose Sharks (San Jose, CA) During third-period action at SAP Center, a visible hole can be seen on the back of Draisaitl’s right arm. This was the Oilers’ lowest point of the season—and also the last game under head coach Jay Woodcroft.
  • November 24, 2023 – Edmonton Oilers vs. Washington Capitals (Washington, D.C.) At Capital One Arena, the hole from earlier in the month appears to have been repaired, with new stitching clearly visible. In several celebration, we also get a rare look at both tags inside the jersey. Also in this game, a scratch across the number “9” on Draisaitl’s back is clearly present, matching the exact wear on this jersey.
  • November 30, 2023 – Edmonton Oilers vs. Winnipeg Jets (Winnipeg, MB) During third-period play at Canada Life Centre, two tags are again visible from the back, confirming the unique double-tagging on this jersey.

So while this jersey may not have carried the “A” or been worn in marquee matchups, it tells its own story—one of a rough start, some battle damage, and a team on the brink that found its footing just in time. It’s a snapshot of a chaotic, transitional moment in the season—and a quiet reminder that not all jerseys need playoff grime to be worth remembering.