Edmonton Oilers fans are holding their breath as superstar forward Leon Draisaitl is currently in Germany, dealing with an injury that could impact the start of his playoff run. Speaking to Sky Sport, Draisaitl mentioned, “It will definitely take a few weeks,” and expressed hope that the team advances far enough for him to contribute again.
The injury occurred during the Oilers’ recent victory over the Nashville Predators. Draisaitl took a hit from Predators forward Ozzy Wiesblatt in the first period.
Although he briefly returned to the ice, he didn’t reappear for the start of the second period. What initially seemed minor has now sidelined him for the remainder of the regular season, landing him on LTIR.
Oilers GM Stan Bowman remains optimistic, stating that if recovery goes as planned, Draisaitl should be back by the end of the regular season. The team is confident he’ll join them in the playoffs without needing surgery.
While in Munich, Draisaitl is receiving treatment from renowned sports doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfart, who has previously worked with big names like Usain Bolt and Christian McCaffrey. This specialist also treated Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews last year, adding a layer of reassurance to Draisaitl’s recovery process.
The specifics of Draisaitl’s injury remain under wraps, but speculation is swirling. Dr.
Harjas Grewal, known for his insights on hockey injuries, noted, “Watch closely, and you can see Draisaitl isn’t bending his left knee as much as his right.” Grewal suggests it might be an MCL injury, with a Grade 1 making him likely ready for Game 1 of the playoffs, and a Grade 2 still offering a good chance of a playoff return.
As the Oilers gear up for the postseason, the exact nature of Draisaitl’s injury remains a mystery, with further details likely to emerge only after the season concludes. Fans and teammates alike are hoping for a swift recovery for the star forward, whose presence is crucial for a deep playoff run.