The Edmonton Oilers are preparing for a Round 1 playoff clash against the Anaheim Ducks on Monday, but all eyes are on the status of star forward Leon Draisaitl. Head coach Kris Knoblauch recently provided an encouraging update, raising hopes that the Oilers could have one of their biggest weapons back sooner rather than later.
Oilers Star Leon Draisaitl Trending Toward Ducks Series
The Oilers were without Draisaitl for the final 14 games of the regular season after he suffered a lower-body injury on March 15 against the Nashville Predators. The injury occurred in the first period following a hit along the boards from Ozzy Wiesblatt. Although he briefly returned for a few shifts, he was unable to continue and missed the remainder of the regular season.
There was encouraging progress this week as Draisaitl returned to practice. He also participated in an optional skate for more than 30 minutes on Saturday, and reportedly moved well laterally. During the session, he skated on the second line, another positive sign that his return could be approaching.
Knoblauch confirmed that the team expects Draisaitl to join them during the first round, though the exact timing remains uncertain. “We anticipate him joining us in round one, whether that is Game 1 or Game 4 or 5, whatever it is. It is just day by day now,” Knoblauch said.
With Draisaitl back on the ice and trending in the right direction, his return now appears closer than initially expected. Earlier projections suggested he might rejoin the lineup midway through the series or later, but recent developments hint that he could be available sooner. Whether that means Game 1 remains to be seen.
Oilers captain Connor McDavid also spoke highly of his teammate’s progress. “I keep saying how good our staff is, and it’s the time of year where health and injuries play a big factor, and our guys do an amazing job making guys available. But it’s also a credit to Leon for wanting to be there, wanting to be a difference maker, and he will be. He looks great,” McDavid said.
The Oilers enter the playoffs second in the Pacific Division with a 41-30-11 record. While the Ducks finished third at 43-33-6, setting up a tightly contested first-round matchup.
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If Draisaitl is ready for Game 1, it would provide a major boost for Edmonton as they aim for another deep postseason run after back-to-back Stanley Cup Final losses to the Florida Panthers.
