Oilers GM sees Draisaitl injury as 'blessing in disguise' for Stanley Cup push

Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman believes Leon Draisaitl's injury will help the team in the playoffs.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 3:37am

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The Edmonton Oilers will be without star forward Leon Draisaitl for the rest of the regular season due to a lower-body injury. However, Oilers GM Stan Bowman sees this as a 'blessing in disguise', believing Draisaitl will be well-rested and fresh for the playoffs. The Oilers are currently in a tight race for a playoff spot in the Pacific Division, and Bowman hopes the team can pull together without their superstar player.

Why it matters

Draisaitl is one of the best players in the NHL and a key reason for the Oilers' success in recent years. His absence could significantly impact the team's playoff chances, but Bowman believes it will ultimately benefit them in the long run by allowing Draisaitl to be fully healthy and rested for the postseason.

The details

Draisaitl was injured in a recent game against the Nashville Predators. The Oilers are currently second in the Pacific Division with 77 points, tied with the Anaheim Ducks. However, the Vegas Golden Knights are only one point behind them, and the Los Angeles Kings are six points back. Losing Draisaitl shakes up the equation, and the Oilers will have to pull together to secure a playoff spot without their star player.

  • Draisaitl was officially ruled out for the regular season with a lower-body injury.
  • The Oilers return to the ice on Thursday night when they take on the Florida Panthers.

The players

Stan Bowman

The general manager of the Edmonton Oilers.

Leon Draisaitl

A superstar forward for the Edmonton Oilers and one of the best players in the NHL.

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What they’re saying

“He'll be rested and he'll be fresh for the playoffs. This will be the second year in a row he'll have missed some time leading in and he's always unbelievable in the playoffs.”

— Stan Bowman, General Manager

What’s next

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