Oilers News: Big Leon Draisaitl Update

The news brightened the day of many an Edmonton Oilers fan early this morning, as Leon Draisaitl was one of the first players on the ice at practice, his first time skating with the team since leaving the lineup due to an undisclosed injury last week.

The @EdmontonOilers Leon Draisaitl is on the ice for morning skate today
— Bob Stauffer (@Bob_Stauffer) March 26, 2025

We had gotten word on Monday that the Oilers leading scorer would not be playing in the team's game Wednesday night against the Dallas Stars, and as the practice unfolded, it became more obvious that that still remains the case.

Draisaitl isn’t taking part in a power-play meeting, so, unless the Oilers have decided to remove their top scorer from that special team, he’s not playing. https://t.co/p7HpLJDvtm
— Daniel Nugent-Bowman (@DNBsports) March 26, 2025

As noted by reporter Daniel Nugent-Bowman, Draisaitl did not take part in the power-play meeting, so "unless the Oilers have decided to remove their top scorer from that special team, he’s not playing."

Nevertheless, it was reassuring news and a great relief for all to see the 49-goal man out there skating and obviously progressing, even if he wasn't taking part in any line rushes.

Draisaitl has missed Edmonton's last two games (an OT loss to the Winnipeg Jets, and a 5-4 victory over the Seattle Kraken), and Connor McDavid joined him on the sidelines as well over the weekend, and he is expected to be out until next week.

Per Kris Knoblauch, Leon Draisaitl is closer to a return than Connor McDavid. Roughly a week, perhaps less, for Draisaitl. That leaves the door open slightly for a possible return Saturday vs. CGY.
— Daniel Nugent-Bowman (@DNBsports) March 26, 2025

Head coach Kris Knoblauch left the door open "slightly" for a possible return this Saturday for Draisaitl. "Leon will be back sooner than Connor. We're looking at about a week, maybe shorter for Leon & Connor will be longer than that."

He leads the entire NHL with 49 goals, and has a team-best 101 points, while McDavid has 90 points. It was encouraging that the team was able to pull out a win against the Kraken without either superstar in the lineup on Saturday night, but tonight's battle against the Dallas Stars will provide a much tougher task.

We'll pass along any further updates on the pair as we get them.