Leon Draisaitl Returns to Practice, Playoff Status Uncertain
EDMONTON – Leon Draisaitl stepped back onto the ice with the Edmonton Oilers on Monday, marking his first practice with teammates since sustaining a lower-body injury on March 15th. However, his availability for the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs remains a question mark. The injury occurred during a 3-1 victory over the Nashville Predators, just over a minute after Draisaitl scored the opening goal on a power play.
“There’s steps that I have to follow and there are certain things that I have to be able to do,” Draisaitl stated. “I’m not there yet right now, so we’ll see how that is by the end of the week or whenever Game 1 would be.”
The Injury and Initial Assessment
Draisaitl was injured following a hit from Predators forward Ozzy Wiesblatt. He briefly returned for two shifts at the end of the first period but didn’t participate in the second or third. He immediately recognized the severity of the injury.
“I knew there was something wrong right away,” Draisaitl explained. “I felt that this was something that was a little more serious. You feel it right away, and then I made a decision that made sense.”
The Oilers announced two days after the incident that Draisaitl was expected to miss the remainder of the regular season. He has already missed 13 consecutive games, including Monday’s game against the Colorado Avalanche and Thursday’s regular-season finale against the Vancouver Canucks.
Seeking Specialist Care & Recovery Progress
Following the injury, Draisaitl travelled to his native Germany to consult with a specialist. He began skating independently early last week while the Oilers were on a road trip. This return to the ice is a positive sign, but a full recovery is still the priority.
The Oilers currently hold second place in the Pacific Division (40-30-10), trailing the Vegas Golden Knights by a single point. They are tied in points with the Anaheim Ducks, but hold the tiebreaker advantage with more regulation wins (31/25).
Coaching Staff’s Perspective
Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch acknowledged the healing process Draisaitl is undergoing. “He’s got some healing process to go through,” Knoblauch said. “Hopefully with some skates and the rehab treatments that he’s getting, he’s ready for us. Ideally, it would be Game 1 (of the playoffs). If it’s Game 3 or 4, then so be it. We’re going to have to adjust.”
Draisaitl’s History with Injuries
Draisaitl has previously played through injuries in the postseason, including a high ankle sprain in 2022 and an upper-body injury in 2024. He understands the delicate balance between playing through pain and risking long-term health.
“There’s certain things you can play through and other things that you have to think about your future and the team’s future a little bit,” Draisaitl said. “I think our medical staff and myself, we know how to handle these situations and we know when it’s good to (play) and when it’s not.”
Looking Ahead
Draisaitl is expected to continue skating with the Oilers throughout the week, providing a clearer picture of his potential return. He emphasized his understanding of his own body and the importance of not forcing a comeback.
“Nobody knows their bodies better than the athlete themselves,” he said. “I know my body better than anyone in the world. I know when I’m ready to go and when I’m forcing it. I’m highly aware of that, and this isn’t an injury that you should force anything with.”
The Oilers and their fans will be anxiously awaiting updates on Draisaitl’s condition as the playoffs approach. His presence is crucial to their championship aspirations.
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