The Leon Draisaitl return is official, as Leon Draisaitl will rejoin the Edmonton Oilers lineup for Game 1 of their first-round Stanley Cup Playoff series against the Anaheim Ducks. The star forward returns after missing the final stretch of the regular season with a lower-body injury sustained on March 15th. Meanwhile, his return comes at a critical moment as Edmonton begins another postseason push.
Leon Draisaitl Return: Oilers Star Back for Game 1 vs Ducks
Credit Image: © Nicholas T. Loverde/Cal Sport Media
Draisaitl had been trending toward a return following multiple full practices. He skated as a full participant and resumed his role on the Oilers’ top power play unit leading into the series opener.
LEON IS BACK 🚨
Leon Draisaitl returns to the Oilers lineup for Game 1 after missing the final 14 games of the regular season 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Wnoq5rCJP1
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) April 20, 2026
Leon Draisaitl Return Boosts Oilers Lineup
Draisaitl’s return immediately restores one of the league’s most productive offensive threats. Despite appearing in just 65 games, he recorded 97 points during the regular season, maintaining elite scoring efficiency.
Furthermore, his presence re-establishes Edmonton’s top-end depth down the middle. The combination of Draisaitl and Connor McDavid remains one of the most dangerous duos in the NHL, particularly in playoff situations. That pairing has consistently driven Edmonton’s offence during recent postseason runs.
Meanwhile, Draisaitl returns to a familiar role, centring a line while also anchoring the top power play unit. His ability to control pace and generate high-danger chances adds a dimension that was missing during his absence.
Edmonton goal!Scored by Leon Draisaitl with 04:01 remaining in the 2nd period.Assisted by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.Edmonton: 4Colorado: 4#COLvsEDM #LetsGoOilers #GoAvsGo
— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2025-02-08T04:11:21.100790Z
Oilers Regain Playoff Difference-Maker
The timing of the Leon Draisaitl return carries significant implications for Edmonton’s playoff outlook. Notably, he has been one of the league’s most productive postseason performers in recent years. He and McDavid both recorded 33 points in last year’s playoffs, underscoring their impact in high-stakes games.
Moreover, Draisaitl has consistently elevated his play in the postseason, often producing through injury. His ability to perform in those conditions has become a defining trait of his playoff résumé.
With Draisaitl back in the lineup, Edmonton enters the series against Anaheim closer to full strength. The Oilers now regain a central piece of their offensive identity as they look to make another deep playoff run.
Main Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
