Oilers' Kris Knoblauch Provides Update on Leon Draisaitl's Injury Ahead of Ducks Series

Edmonton's star forward is expected to return at some point during the first round of the playoffs.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:26pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game in motion, with players and the puck fragmented into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of color, conveying the intensity and strategic complexity of playoff hockey.As the Edmonton Oilers prepare for a high-stakes playoff matchup, the anticipated return of star forward Leon Draisaitl could be a game-changer.Anaheim Today

Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch provided an update on the status of star forward Leon Draisaitl, who has been dealing with a lower body injury since March. Knoblauch said Draisaitl is progressing day-to-day and the team anticipates him joining the team at some point during their first-round playoff series against the Anaheim Ducks, whether that's for Game 1, Game 4, or Game 5.

Why it matters

Draisaitl's return would be a huge boost for the Oilers, who are aiming to reach the Stanley Cup Final for the third straight year. The 27-year-old forward was ninth in NHL scoring during the regular season with 97 points, and his presence on the ice is critical to Edmonton's offensive success.

The details

Draisaitl suffered the lower body injury in a March game against the Nashville Predators and missed the remainder of the regular season. Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said the team is taking Draisaitl's recovery 'day by day' and they anticipate him joining the team at some point during the first-round series against the Anaheim Ducks, though the exact timing is still uncertain.

  • Draisaitl suffered the injury in a March game against the Nashville Predators.
  • Draisaitl missed the entire remaining regular season after suffering the injury.
  • The Oilers begin their first-round playoff series against the Anaheim Ducks on Monday, April 18, 2026.

The players

Leon Draisaitl

A 27-year-old forward for the Edmonton Oilers who was ninth in NHL scoring during the regular season with 97 points (35 goals, 62 assists) in 65 games.

Kris Knoblauch

The head coach of the Edmonton Oilers.

Connor McDavid

The captain of the Edmonton Oilers.

Zach Hyman

A forward for the Edmonton Oilers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'Same plan as before, just going day by day. I anticipate him joining us sometime in the first round, whether it's Game 1, Game 4 or Game 5, whatever it is, but right now, it's just day by day.'”

— Kris Knoblauch, Head Coach, Edmonton Oilers

“'The expectation is to win the Stanley Cup. If we lose in the first round or we lose in the Final we're going to be (upset).'”

— Zach Hyman, Forward, Edmonton Oilers

“'The expectation is the same as always. We've got a great belief in here. Playoff hockey is unique. It's a skill to win in the playoffs, and we feel pretty good about having that skill, having been there and winning a lot of playoff games. That being said, it's exciting for everybody and we've got to be ready to roll.'”

— Connor McDavid, Captain, Edmonton Oilers

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.