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OilersLeon Draisaitl Takes Brief Leave for Family Illness in Germany

The 30-year-old is expected to rejoin Edmonton later next week.

Overview

  • The Oilers announced Draisaitl has left the team to attend to a family illness and requested privacy on his behalf.
  • Draisaitl will miss Saturday’s game in Vancouver and is likely out Sunday against St. Louis, with New Jersey, Pittsburgh and Washington up next on the schedule.
  • He has 25 goals and 42 assists in 48 games and averages 22:05 per night, remaining a central driver of Edmonton’s offense and power play.
  • Coach Kris Knoblauch and captain Connor McDavid voiced support, stressing that family takes priority as teammates prepare to cover his minutes.
  • Short-term adjustments under consideration include internal line shifts such as moving Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to center or promoting Jack Roslovic, with limited LTIR room constraining any recalls.