Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

Oilers update Leon Draisaitl injury status and face extremely tough decision

Originally posted on Oilers Daily | By Liam McCormick | Last updated Mar 20, 2025 2:43 PM ET

The Edmonton Oilers have confirmed Leon Draisaitl has sustained an injury and his status for tonight's game against the Winnipeg Jets will be a game-time decision.

Draisaitl suffered an awkward fall in the Oilers last game against the Utah Hockey Club, but was able to remain in the game.

Edmonton Oilers considered managing Leon Draisaitl injury down stretch of the season

After confirming that Draisaitl has sustained an injury and will be considered a game time decision, Coach Knoblauch suggested that the team will be cautious with Draisaitl's deployment to make sure he's healthy for the playoffs.

Draisaitl doubtful tonight. Knoblauch says they'll be cautious with him and make sure he's healthy for playoffs. Game to game for now.

Draisaitl can clearly play through the injury he's suffered - he did so against Utah while looking to extend his point streak to 18 games. However, the smart thing for himself and the Oilers is to shut him down, allow him to heal, and be ready for playoffs.

The Oilers superstar is in the middle of an MVP caliber season, chasing 60 goals, and a Rocket Richard trophy. It would be incredibly tough to sit him out of an injury he could play through, but the Oilers have to be looking toward the spring.

For at least tonight's game, Draisaitl shouldn't play - but they'll have a tough decision to perhaps manage his ice time with some scratches instead of chasing milestones.

Edmonton Oilers get positive news on other major injuries

While it is a major blow that Leon Draisaitl is likely to miss tonight's game, things could have been much worse for the Oilers. Connor McDavid, Zach Hyman, and Mattias Ekholm were also questionable to play tonight.

However, it seems that only Draisaitl will miss tonight's game with injury. The top line of Jeff Skinner, Connor McDavid, and Zach Hyman will remain intact with both forwards cleared to play.

The Oilers will be up for a major test against one of the NHL's top teams in the Winnipeg Jets. Hopefully, even without their MVP candidate, their depth can prove why they're a Stanley Cup contender.

This article first appeared on Oilers Daily and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: