Draisaitl a Full Participant in Oilers Practice, Trending Towards Playoff Return

Oilers coach says it's a matter of when, not if, star center Leon Draisaitl will play against the Ducks in the first round.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 8:13pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey player in action, with their jersey colors of blue and orange visible through the fractured, overlapping planes. The image captures the raw energy and intensity of playoff hockey.The Oilers' hopes of a deep playoff run hinge on the return of star center Leon Draisaitl, whose ability to elevate his game in the postseason could be the key to unlocking the team's championship potential.San Jose Today

Edmonton Oilers star center Leon Draisaitl, who missed the end of the regular season with a lower-body injury, was a full participant in the team's practice on Sunday. Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said Draisaitl has been 'trending very well this last week or so' and that a decision on his return will be made after consulting the medical staff. Draisaitl, who finished ninth in the NHL in scoring despite playing in just 65 games, is eager to return for the playoffs and help the Oilers make another run at the Stanley Cup.

Why it matters

The Oilers' Stanley Cup hopes hinge on having both Draisaitl and Connor McDavid at their best, as the two have formed one of the league's most dominant 1-2 punches. Draisaitl's return would provide a major boost to the Oilers' lineup and their chances of advancing deep into the playoffs.

The details

Draisaitl was injured after making contact with the boards in a game against the Nashville Predators shortly after scoring his 35th goal of the season. Without him, the Oilers went 8-4-2 and secured second place in the Pacific Division. In Sunday's practice, Draisaitl centered a line with Vasily Podkolzin and Kasperi Kapanen and worked with Edmonton's top power-play unit.

  • Draisaitl was injured on March 15, ending his regular season.
  • The Oilers' first-round playoff series against the Anaheim Ducks begins on Monday, April 20.

The players

Leon Draisaitl

A 30-year-old center for the Edmonton Oilers who finished ninth in the NHL in scoring despite playing in just 65 games due to injury.

Kris Knoblauch

The head coach of the Edmonton Oilers.

Connor McDavid

The star center for the Edmonton Oilers and Draisaitl's teammate.

Jason Dickinson

A third-line center for the Edmonton Oilers who was acquired at the trade deadline to address the team's forward depth issues.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's a lot of lonely times when you're hurt. Guys are on the road, and you're kind of grinding by yourself. I'm happy where it's at right now. We'll see how it evolves and see how I feel (Monday). … (It) was a nice break and hopefully, sooner than later, I can be back and help the guys out.”

— Leon Draisaitl

“He has an ability to raise his game to a whole other level. You see that time and time again. This guy battles through anything, y'know?”

— Connor McDavid

What’s next

The Oilers will make a final decision on Draisaitl's status for Game 1 against the Ducks after consulting with the medical staff.

The takeaway

The return of a healthy Leon Draisaitl would be a major boost for the Oilers as they look to make another deep playoff run and capture their first Stanley Cup since 1990. His ability to elevate his game in the postseason could be the difference-maker for Edmonton.