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Draisaitl's playoff status uncertain amid injury
7 Apr
Summary
- Leon Draisaitl might miss the start of playoffs due to injury.
- He ranks fifth in NHL scoring despite missing recent games.
- Zach Hyman also sidelined but expected back before season end.
Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl's availability for the beginning of the Stanley Cup playoffs is in question due to a lower-body injury. He has been sidelined since March 15. Coach Kris Knoblauch stated that Draisaitl is expected to skate this week and anticipates a return sometime during the first round of the playoffs, though playing in the first game is not entirely ruled out.
Despite missing the last nine games, Draisaitl has maintained a high scoring pace, entering Monday as the NHL's fifth-leading scorer with 97 points (35 goals, 62 assists) in 65 games. The Oilers are currently tied for the lead in the Pacific Division with five games remaining in their regular season schedule. Draisaitl has a history of strong playoff performances, helping the Oilers reach the Stanley Cup Final in the last two seasons.
Fellow forward Zach Hyman is also sidelined with an undisclosed injury and is likely to miss the upcoming road trip. However, Knoblauch expressed confidence that Hyman will play in one or two games before the regular season concludes on April 16. Last season, Draisaitl also missed the end of the regular season with an injury but returned for the playoff opener.
