Oilers Practice Notes: Draisaitl Back in Regular Spot, Dickinson to Practice Sunday, Pickard Returns

Edmonton Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch provides updates on key players ahead of Game 1 against the Anaheim Ducks.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:22pm

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A fragmented, multi-angled painting depicting a hockey game, with the players and action broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of deep blue, bright orange, and metallic silver, conveying the uncertainty and anticipation surrounding the Oilers' lineup as they prepare for the postseason.The Oilers' lineup remains in flux as key players like Leon Draisaitl work to return from injury ahead of the playoffs.San Jose Today

Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl skated on a regular line with Vasily Podkolzin and Kasperi Kapanen at Friday's practice, indicating he is nearing a return from injury. Center Jason Dickinson is expected to practice with the team on Sunday, while veteran goaltender Calvin Pickard was recalled as the team's third goalie.

Why it matters

Draisaitl's return would be a major boost for the Oilers as they prepare to face the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the playoffs. Dickinson's status is also crucial, as he provides depth down the middle. Pickard's recall shows the team values his veteran presence, even as he has struggled this season.

The details

Draisaitl has been out since March 15, but is progressing towards a potential return for Game 1 against the Ducks on Monday. Coach Knoblauch said they are 'getting him game-ready as much as possible' by putting him on a line with players he typically plays with. Dickinson left the team's last game on April 8 after taking a puck to the lower body, but is expected to practice with the team on Sunday. Pickard was recalled as the team's third goalie, with Knoblauch saying the team was 'disappointed' when he was sent down earlier this season due to the team's poor play in front of him.

  • Draisaitl has been out since March 15.
  • Dickinson left the team's last game on April 8.
  • Pickard was recalled as the team's third goalie on Friday.

The players

Leon Draisaitl

A star forward for the Edmonton Oilers who is nearing a return from injury.

Jason Dickinson

A veteran center for the Edmonton Oilers who is expected to practice with the team on Sunday after leaving the last game with an injury.

Calvin Pickard

A veteran goaltender who was recalled by the Edmonton Oilers as their third goalie after being sent down earlier this season.

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What they’re saying

“We're getting him game-ready as much as possible, and to do that, we're putting him with players that he would most likely play with.”

— Kris Knoblauch, Oilers Coach

“It's doctors allowing him to play, and he's itching to get out there and he wants to be part of this.”

— Kris Knoblauch, Oilers Coach

“He was the odd guy out, which was really unfair for him, because I think we played some of our worst hockey in front of him, which didn't help his situation.”

— Kris Knoblauch, Oilers Coach

What’s next

Sunday's practice will provide more clarity on the lineup for Game 1 against the Ducks, including the status of Draisaitl and Dickinson.

The takeaway

The Oilers are getting healthier at the right time, with Draisaitl and Dickinson nearing returns. Their presence would be a major boost as the team prepares for the playoffs. The recall of veteran goaltender Pickard also shows the team values his experience, even as he has struggled this season.