As the Edmonton Oilers gear up for another Stanley Cup playoff run, one of their most important players, Leon Draisaitl, is again in the spotlight — and not just for his on-ice skills. Draisaitl will miss Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings and is likely out for Monday’s matchup against Anaheim as well, due to a lower-body injury.
While it’s never good news when a superstar is sidelined, the Oilers are confident that this setback won’t affect his availability for the postseason. According to head coach Kris Knoblauch, the injury isn’t considered serious and should heal well before the playoffs begin.
Draisaitl’s Injury: A Familiar Story for Oilers Fans
It’s become something of a trend — Leon Draisaitl entering the playoffs with some form of injury. This time, it’s a new lower-body issue, different from the one he dealt with earlier in the month. But for Oilers fans, there’s comfort in knowing that Draisaitl has a history of playing through pain and still putting up top-tier numbers.
In 2022, he played with a painful high-ankle sprain and somehow managed 32 points in 16 playoff games. Last season, he wasn’t fully healthy either but still notched 31 points in 25 games. His playoff performances have been nothing short of heroic, even when physically limited.
A Warrior in Every Sense
Draisaitl’s ability to battle through injury has earned him serious respect across the league. He’s not the type to shy away from challenges, even when opposing players target his weak spots. In a past interview, he opened up about the physical toll of playing with injuries and how he adjusted his game to remain effective.
He once shared how even a small twist of the ankle would send pain shooting through his body, draining his energy. Despite that, he found ways to stay productive, changing his playing style to suit his physical limits. He modestly said, “I thought I did a pretty good job of it,” though many would argue that’s a massive understatement.
Oilers Prioritizing Recovery Before the Playoff Push
Coach Knoblauch addressed the current situation, saying: “It’s lower body and we don’t believe it’s going to be something that’s going to head into the playoffs. We think he’s going to be back well before that, so we’re not too concerned – especially with Leon’s pain tolerance and the things that he’s played through before.”
There’s no confirmed return date yet, but the Oilers are being cautious. With just a few games left in the regular season, they’re choosing to give Draisaitl the rest he needs now so he can be ready for when it really counts. Given his history, even if he returns a bit banged up, Draisaitl will likely find a way to be dominant.
The Bigger Picture: Oilers’ Playoff Hopes Rest on Draisaitl and McDavid
The Oilers have championship ambitions, especially after falling just short in the Stanley Cup Final last season. If they hope to go all the way this year, they’ll need their star duo — Draisaitl and Connor McDavid — healthy and firing. With McDavid leading the charge and Draisaitl expected to return soon, fans can stay optimistic.
Even if he’s not at 100 percent, history shows that a slightly injured Leon Draisaitl is still more productive than most fully healthy players. As long as he’s back in time for the playoffs, the Oilers remain a serious threat in the West.
Leon Draisaitl’s injury is a concern, but it’s not a major one. Edmonton is playing it smart by allowing him time to recover fully before the playoffs. His track record of playoff performance, even when hurt, speaks for itself. If there’s one player fans can trust to deliver under pressure, it’s Draisaitl. Oilers fans have seen him battle through pain before—and shine. Come playoff time, expect nothing less than another gritty, high-impact performance from one of the NHL’s toughest stars.
