Oilers Optimistic About Leon Draisaitl's Playoff Return Timeline

The star center is expected to rejoin the team at some point during the first round.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:35pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a hockey player in motion, with sharp planes of navy blue, orange, and white representing the raw energy and intensity of the sport.A cubist interpretation of an Oilers player in mid-stride, reflecting the team's determination to overcome injuries and make a deep playoff run.Philadelphia Today

The Edmonton Oilers finished the 2025-26 regular season in third place in the Pacific Division, clinching their seventh consecutive playoff berth. However, the team had to overcome the absence of star center Leon Draisaitl, who suffered a lower-body injury on March 14. While Draisaitl is still day-to-day, head coach Kris Knoblauch is optimistic the 30-year-old will return at some point during the first round of the playoffs.

Why it matters

Draisaitl's return would be a major boost for the Oilers' offense, as he is a key factor in the playoffs with 52 goals and 141 points in 96 career postseason games. Getting him back, even if not for Game 1, would significantly change the team's outlook against the Anaheim Ducks in the first round.

The details

Draisaitl suffered the injury on March 14 during a win against the Nashville Predators after a hit into the boards by Ozzy Wiesblatt. He tried to play two more shifts before leaving the game. The team confirmed he would miss the rest of the regular season, but Draisaitl has been making progress in his recovery and is expected to rejoin the team at some point in the first round, according to Knoblauch.

  • Draisaitl was injured on March 14 during a game against the Nashville Predators.
  • Two days later, on March 16, the team confirmed Draisaitl would miss the rest of the regular season.
  • The Oilers open their first-round playoff series against the Anaheim Ducks on Monday, April 21 at 10 p.m. ET.

The players

Leon Draisaitl

A 30-year-old center for the Edmonton Oilers who suffered a lower-body injury on March 14 and is expected to return at some point during the first round of the playoffs.

Kris Knoblauch

The 47-year-old head coach of the Edmonton Oilers who is optimistic about Draisaitl's recovery and return timeline.

Ozzy Wiesblatt

A Nashville Predators player who hit Draisaitl into the boards, causing the injury.

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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

“I know my body better than anyone and I'm not going to rush back if I'm not ready.”

— Leon Draisaitl

What’s next

The Oilers will continue to monitor Draisaitl's progress and provide updates on his status leading up to the start of their first-round playoff series against the Anaheim Ducks on Monday, April 21.

The takeaway

Draisaitl's potential return would be a major boost for the Oilers as they look to make a deep playoff run. While his exact timeline is still uncertain, the team is optimistic he will rejoin the lineup at some point during the first round, which could significantly change the complexion of the series against the Ducks.