The Edmonton Oilers picked up two key points Sunday with a 3-1 victory over the Nashville Predators, snapping a two-game losing streak and solidifying their position in the Pacific Division with a month left in the regular season.
Connor McDavid recorded the primary assist on all three Edmonton goals, while Leon Draisaitl scored his 35th goal of the season before leaving the game injured.
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Draisaitl took a hard hit along the boards near the Predators’ bench from Nashville forward Ozzy Wiesblatt early in the first period and left the ice.
The Oilers forward briefly returned for a couple of shifts but did not come out for the start of the second and was ruled out with an undisclosed injury.
Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl celebrates a goal.Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
(Perry Nelson-Imagn Images)
Head coach Kris Knoblauch addressed the situation after the game, providing the first update on Draisaitl’s situation.
When asked about the possibility of a long-term absence for Draistail, Knoblauch emphasized that the initial medical assessment pointed toward a shorter stint on the sideline.
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“Well, he got checked out; he didn’t feel right. He went off, he got checked out, felt like he could play on it,” Knoblauch said. “The medical staff looked at him, and they were comfortable with him trying it out. He went out again and just didn’t feel quite right.”
Added Knoblauch: “The fact the medical staff said it doesn’t seem too bad, no immediate red flags, tells me it shouldn’t be a really long injury. There might be some time off, but we’ll find out later.”
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Draisaitl is second on the team in goals (35), assists (62) and points (97), trailing only McDavid in each category.
The Oilers are in third place in the Pacific Division with a 33-26-9 record and 75 points. They have 14 games remaining in the regular season.
Edmonton returns to action Tuesday night when it hosts the San Jose Sharks at 9 p.m. ET.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.