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Draisaitl Gives Injury Timeline While in Germany to See Specialist

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Mar 21, 2026 6:46 PM ET

Edmonton Oilers superstar forward Leon Draisaitl is currently in Germany. He spoke today, and it sounded like he may not be ready for the start of the playoffs. “It will definitely take a few weeks,” he told Sky Sport. “I hope we go far enough so I can help the team again.”

He suffered the injury in the Oilers’ win over the Nashville Predators last week. Draisaitl took a hit from Nashville Predators forward Ozzy Wiesblatt during the first period. He went to the locker room, returned for one shift, but was not on the bench to start the second frame.

What was believed to be a minor injury at the time, it turned out to be one that will keep him out of the rest of the regular season. Draisaitl was placed on LTIR this week.

GM Stan Bowman said this past week that if everything goes as scheduled, Draisaitl will be back at the end of the regular season and that their announced timeline wasn’t a fabrication. They expect he’ll be able to join his teammates in the playoffs and that surgery for his injury is not required.

Sportsnet writes, “Draisaitl is receiving treatment while in his native Munich, visiting sports doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfart, whom Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews also visited last year.” This is a well-known specialist who has worked with Usain Bolt and NFL running back Christian McCaffrey.

Still Unclear as to The Actual Draisaitl Injury

Dr. Harjas Grewal, a family doctor who has been known to weigh in on hockey injuries, posted, “Watch closely, and you can see Draisaitl isn’t bending his left knee as much as his right. This video + injury video + report of no surgery needed, and it very well could be an MCL injury. Grade 1 and he’s for sure good for game 1 playoffs, if grade 2 it’s still quite likely.”

The Oilers haven’t specifically discussed the injury and what the issue is. It’s unlikely anyone really does until the season is over.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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