Edmonton Oilers' Coach Kris Knoblauch has confirmed that star forward Leon Draisaitl will be sidelined for at least a week due to an undisclosed injury sustained during a recent game.
On March 21, 2025, Knoblauch provided an update to the media regarding Draisaitl's condition following the Oilers' impressive 7-1 victory over the Utah Hockey Club on March 18. "Same kind of timeline. Won't be back immediately. He'll be probably (out) up to a week," Knoblauch stated at Rogers Place, confirming that Draisaitl's absence would extend to Saturday's game against the Seattle Kraken.
With the Oilers pushed to compete without two of their leading players, the team had also announced that Captain Connor McDavid would not play in the same match due to a lower-body injury, expected to miss time while he undergoes an MRI scan. McDavid has been a significant figure for the team this season, tallying an impressive 90 points across 63 games, while riding a 13-game point streak before his injury.
In the absence of these stars, the Oilers had faced off against the Winnipeg Jets just days earlier, suffering a narrow 4-3 overtime loss on March 20. Knoblauch reflected on the game, highlighting the performance of both goalies, saying, "Both goalies played really well ... the quality of shots were pretty good and our goalies did a good job." Despite a strong start with Jeff Skinner netting the first goal for the Oilers, the team ultimately faltered against the Jets.
The coach acknowledged the challenges posed by Draisaitl and McDavid's injuries, noting how their absences change the dynamics for the team. He outlined a game plan emphasizing the opportunities for other players to step up and fill the void. "The more somebody plays, they feel like they're part of the game," Knoblauch explained. He emphasized that increased ice time for some players – from 15 or 17 shifts per game to potentially 20 or 23 – allows them to become more engaged in the game.
As non-essential injuries struck both McDavid and Draisaitl at the same time, this is the first instance in ten seasons that the pair, both key components for the Oilers, have found themselves sidelined simultaneously. This unprecedented situation has raised concerns among fans and pundits alike about the Oilers' ability to maintain their performance in a crucial stretch leading up to the playoffs.
Draisaitl's statistics tell the story of his value to the team; he is currently leading the NHL in goals with 49 and touts a remarkable tally of 101 points overall this season. This point total places him second on the scoring list, just behind Colorado Avalanche winger Nathan MacKinnon who has 105 points. Meanwhile, McDavid remains closely followed with his 90 points, showing the depth of talent that the Oilers have relied on in recent seasons.
Knoblauch remains optimistic about the remaining squad, stating that this could be an opportunity for growth and resilience within the team. He added, "Just more opportunities ... It’s good for our team morale," reflecting his belief that the team has the capability to succeed even in challenging circumstances.
The Oilers currently boast a record of 40 wins, 24 losses, and 5 overtime losses, placing them second in the Pacific Division as they head into the crucial games ahead. They hope to have Draisaitl and McDavid back in action before the matchup against the rival Calgary Flames on March 29.
As the team prepares to meet the Kraken without its star pairs, Oilers' fans will be watching closely to see how the squad adjusts under the changing circumstances.
