More of the same for Leon Draisaitl in Oilers’ latest update

It feels like the same update Edmonton Oilers fans were given two weeks ago when Leon Draisaitl got injury. On Friday, head coach Kris Knoblauch told reporterts that won’t play against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday and will likely miss Monday’s action against the Anaheim Ducks. While there is no specific timetable for now, Draisaitl is expected to return well before playoffs and the injury is considered short-term.

Midway through the second period of the Oilers’ 3-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks last night, Draisaitl looked in discomfort and left the game. No more details were given after the contest, though on Friday, Knoblauch classifies this as a lower-body injury, though the star forward missed four games last month with an undisclosed injury.

Draisaitl is the NHL’s leading goal-scorer with 52 goals on the season and is third in the league for points with 102. The Oilers need to be careful with him as they need their star forward in top shape for the playoffs just around the corner. 

The Oilers are already without captain Connor McDavid, who has been since March 20 when he collided with Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey, and goalie Stuart Skinner. Trent Frederic, who was acquired from the Boston Bruins ahead of the trade deadline, has yet to play for Edmonton. However, he is considered as a slight possibility for Sunday’s game, per Knoblauch.