{"id":509876,"date":"2026-03-18T17:01:14","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T17:01:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/509876\/"},"modified":"2026-03-18T17:01:14","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T17:01:14","slug":"oilers-receive-encouraging-update-amid-uncertainty-over-leon-draisaitls-injury","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/509876\/","title":{"rendered":"Oilers receive encouraging update amid uncertainty over Leon Draisaitl\u2019s injury"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Edmonton Oilers<\/a> received a timely boost amid concern over Leon Draisaitl<\/a>\u2019s injury, with signs pointing to a possible return before the playoffs. The update offers hope as the team continues its push near the top of the Pacific Division.<\/p>\n

It comes a day after the Oilers confirmed the star forward would miss the remainder of the regular season due to a lower-body injury. Draisaitl was hurt during a March 15 win over the Nashville Predators<\/a> and finished the campaign with 35 goals and 97 points in 65 games.<\/p>\n

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NHL<\/a> analyst Elliotte Friedman shared that Oilers GM Stan Bowman provided a positive outlook. \u201cIf everything goes as scheduled, he should be back at end of the regular season,\u201d Friedman posted on X, adding that Draisaitl \u201cdoes not need surgery.\u201d<\/p>\n

MORE: Oilers coach remains confident despite Edmonton\u2019s injury crisis<\/a><\/p>\n

Head coach Kris Knoblauch struck a cautious tone after the 5-3 win over the San Jose Sharks<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cRight now the timeline we\u2019re using is the end of the regular season, and once the playoffs start then we\u2019ll re-evaluate,\u201d Knoblauch said. \u201cBut it\u2019s\u2026 yeah, that\u2019s where we\u2019re at.\u201d<\/p>\n

Despite the uncertainty, the Oilers remain competitive with a 34-26-9 record. They sit tied for first in the division, showing resilience even without one of the league\u2019s top scorers.<\/p>\n

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Oilers admit Leon Draisaitl\u2019s importance to Edmonton\u2019s offense\"\"<\/p>\n

Inside the Oilers\u2019 locker room, players understand the challenge ahead without Draisaitl.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not like one guy can just step into his shoes,\u201d Ryan Nugent-Hopkins said. \u201cIt\u2019s a collective thing \u2026 everybody\u2019s going to need to pick up the slack.\u201d<\/p>\n

Even Knoblauch knows it\u2019s hard to replace Draisaitl\u2019s offense.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one\u2019s going to replace Leon,\u201d Knoblauch said<\/a>. \u201cThat\u2019s never going to happen, but everyone collectively needs to be a little bit better.\u201d<\/p>\n

Draisaitl\u2019s absence also affects Edmonton\u2019s power play, where he was a key contributor. Knoblauch admitted the team will adjust through \u201ctrial and error\u201d as they search for the right combinations.<\/p>\n

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For now, the Oilers balance caution with optimism. If Bowman\u2019s timeline holds, Draisaitl\u2019s return could arrive just in time to shape Edmonton\u2019s playoff run.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead <\/a>\u2014<\/p>\n

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