The Edmonton Oilers have walked a fine line all season, combining elite scoring with costly defensive breakdowns in some games. Even with a playoff berth secured, those late-game struggles have raised real doubts about their ability to hold up in a long postseason series. The pressure has only grown as the regular season winds down, and matchups begin to take shape.
Now, with the spotlight intensifying, a fresh update involving Leon Draisaitl is starting to shift the mood around the team.
Leon Draisaitl’s Pending Return Boosts Oilers Ahead of Playoffs
Draisaitl has been out since mid-March with a lower-body injury, but a recent update has given Edmonton reason for cautious optimism. The star forward, who has missed the final stretch of the regular season, was recently seen back on the ice in a limited capacity.
Draisaitl was spotted on the ice on Monday, April 13, working alongside Vasily Podkolzin, offering a positive sign as the playoffs near.
The German ace’s absence dates back to March 15, when he took a hit during a game against the Nashville Predators. The team ruled him out shortly after, confirming he would miss the remaining regular-season games.
Since then, the Oilers have relied heavily on Connor McDavid and their forward depth to maintain their position in the standings. While they have stayed competitive, the lack of a second elite scoring option has been noticeable in tight matchups.
Now, Draisaitl has given a positive update for the fans, saying, “I feel fine. Obviously, it’s progress, and you know there’s a timeline and you kind of have to follow that. But all in all, I feel pretty good, and it’s just one day at a time.”
Draisaitl also mentioned that this is not an injury where recovery can be rushed, telling reporters, “I have steps I need to take to get back, and I’ve seen good progress.”
The recovery process has included a trip to Germany, where Draisaitl received treatment from a specialist. Head coach Kris Knoblauch indicated earlier in April that the forward was expected to resume skating soon, and this latest sighting appears to confirm that progress. Even so, the team has not provided a firm timeline for his return to game action, keeping his Game 1 availability uncertain.
Edmonton’s playoff picture depends heavily on where they finish in the Pacific Division. They remain in a close race with the Vegas Golden Knights and Anaheim Ducks, with seeding still undecided heading into the final games.
The Oilers close their regular season with games against the Colorado Avalanche and Vancouver Canucks, both of which carry importance for final positioning. Draisaitl’s potential return later in the first round could still play a major role in shaping their playoff run.
With the playoffs set to begin on April 18, even a partial return during the opening series could change the outlook for Edmonton in a significant way.
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