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Oilers Give Update on Draisaitl: Might Miss Playoff Games

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Apr 6, 2026 5:22 PM ET

Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch spoke with the media on Monday before the team went out on the road later today. He was asked about the status of both Zach Hyman and Leon Draisaitl. Hyman is expected to play one or two games before the end of the season. Draisaitl will skate with the Oilers at practice sometime in the next week, but likely won’t be back until the playoffs, perhaps even missing Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

“I don’t anticipate him playing any games in the regular season. And then playoffs, (he’ll play) sometime in that first round if things go well,” Knoblauch said.

He added, “If he gets in that first game, that’s great. He has not been on the ice yet. We anticipate he’ll be on the ice sometime this week. We’ll have an indication of how that’s gonna go. Probably sometime in that first round.”

There were reports that Draisaitl might be back early, even though the hockey club said he was ruled out for the remainder of the regular season. He sustained a lower-body injury on March 15.

The Oilers have five games remaining as they head out on the road for three. They’ll finish at home on the 13th versus Colorado and then on the 16th versus Vancouver.

Oilers Would Love to Have Draisaitl Back for the Start of the Playoffs

The playoffs begin April 18, and if Edmonton could get Leon back in time, it would be a huge addition. He’s a 50-goal scorer and the main reason their power play clicks at the rate it does. That same power play has been snakebitten since his departure.

When asked how he’s managing without Draisaitl available: “Like I said, we were trying to win as many games as possible, and to do that, special teams are really important—penalty kill and power play included. I think the power play hasn’t really slipped in terms of chance generation. Since Leon’s been gone, we’ve noticed it’s definitely taken a drop—you’re missing one of the best power-play guys and the impact he has—but it’s still near the top of the NHL in chance generation.

“Unfortunately, it’s just putting the puck in the net, which is what it’s all about, and we haven’t been able to do that. Whether that’s a little bit of bad luck—we hit a goalpost the other night—or goalies making some good saves, yeah, we’re just fighting it a little bit. But I’m confident it’ll start producing.”

Although the Oilers currently lead the Pacific Division. Edmonton has gone 6-3-0 since Draisaitl’s absence.

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

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