The Edmonton Oilers are likely to be without one of their stars for Thursday’s game. Leon Draisaitl is doubtful to play and is being considered day-to-day.
Draisaitl Doubtful
Leon Draisaitl is doubtful for tonight's game against the Jets and is considered day-to-day, Kris Knoblauch announced pic.twitter.com/waJIq4rgMZ
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 20, 2025
The star sustained a injury when he got tangled up with Olli Maatta on Tuesday during the Oilers 7-1 win. Draisaitl finished the game but sat out practice Wednesday as well as the morning skate Thursday.
Draisaitl leads the NHL with 49 goals. Furthermore, he is second in points behind Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche.
Injury Follows End of Point Streak
For Draisitl, it is injury added to insult. He had an 18-game point streak (14 goals, 13 assists) end against the Utah Hockey Club. In addition, if he misses Thursday, it will be his first missed game of the season.
Draisaitl is at the top of his game right now. He is playing a very physical brand of hockey. It is not surprising that he may have sustained injuries throughout the year.
Next Man Up
One person to count on to elevate his game with Draisatl is an obvious candidate. Yes, we are talking about the captain, Connor McDavid.
However, the Oilers have many other options that could in fact step up. In fact, now would be a great time for players, who have not had consistent seasons. Jeff Skinner, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Zach Hyman have offensive skill to their game, but have not had a breakout moment yet this season. There is no time like the present. For the Oilers, a team looking to return to the Stanley Cup Final, getting production with a star out would be huge.
Last Word On Hockey will provide updates regarding Draisatl’s injury as new information becomes available.
Main Photo: Ed Mulholland- Imagn Images
