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Edmonton Oilers player Leon Draisaitl will be temporarily away to address a family health matter in Germany.
The National Hockey League club stated through an announcement that the prominent 30-year-old player is anticipated back by the following week.
This information surfaced shortly before the Oilers, holding a record of 23-17-8, commenced their game preparations in Vancouver, set to compete against the Canucks this Saturday evening.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch commented following Edmonton’s morning practice, “Certainly, Leon’s absence will be felt, and we hope it’s brief. We fully back Leon.” He added, “The current circumstances are regrettable.”
The Oilers requested respect for Draisaitl’s personal space during this time.
Draisaitl holds the second position among Oilers players and the fifth spot across the NHL, having accumulated 67 points, comprising 25 goals and 42 assists. He is on track to achieve his fifth consecutive season surpassing 100 points and was awarded the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy last season for leading the league with 52 goals during the regular season.
Throughout 48 games played this season, Draisaitl has maintained an average of 22 minutes and 5 seconds on the ice, serving as a crucial component of Edmonton’s formidable power play, contributing 31 points during advantages.
The German forward has participated in every game throughout the 2025-26 season.
Oilers captain Connor McDavid stated, “Undoubtedly, his presence will be missed. However, professional duties are secondary.”
He continued, “Each person in this locker room is someone’s brother, father, or son, and those personal connections are paramount. He needs to return home to be with his loved ones, and naturally, our thoughts are with him and his whole family. We have to manage the situation.”
McDavid further mentioned that the Oilers are accustomed to adapting their roster due to absences, noting that multiple players stepped up to assume greater roles when the squad faced numerous injuries in the previous season.
He concluded, “There’s ample chance for individuals to rise to the occasion and contribute significantly.”
Given Draisaitl’s absence from the active roster, winger Vasily Podkolzin is anticipated to advance to the premier line alongside McDavid and Zach Hyman.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is scheduled to take the centre position for the secondary line, flanked by Trent Frederic on the left wing and Kasperi Kapanen on the right.
Knoblauch explained these adjustments, saying, “We clearly had to adjust our lines somewhat, given Leon’s specific role.” He added, “And, this presents an opening.”
He elaborated, “Podkolzin is advancing to play with Connor, and similarly Frederic will be on the left wing alongside Nuge. And Nuge, that line has been exceptionally effective. We preferred not to dismantle it, but we require a central player, and Nuge is unequivocally the most fitting selection.”
Subsequent to Saturday’s game versus the Canucks, the Oilers will welcome the St. Louis Blues to their home arena on Sunday, succeeded by further home contests against the New Jersey Devils, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Washington Capitals in the upcoming week.
