Instant panic set through Oilers Nation when reports surfaced about what Leon Draisaitl said regarding his injury in German during an interview with Sky Sports on Saturday.
The concern stemmed from translations suggesting it included a mention of, “I hope we go far enough so I can help the team again.” That, of course, had many worried that Draisaitl might not be ready for the start of the playoffs—assuming Edmonton makes it.
Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman quickly shut that down, however, insisting nothing has changed when it comes to the superstar center’s return timeline. And on Sunday, more clarity emerged, as Oilers reporter Marc Spector took to X (formerly Twitter) to share exactly what Draisaitl said in the interview, thanks to a trusted German source, as he described it.
“I hope (to return to the ice this season); that’s the plan and the reason I’m here (in Munich) right now. It will definitely take a few weeks. That much is certain. I hope we can keep playing long enough that I’ll be able to help out again at some point… I’ll be here in Munich (with Dr. Müller-Wohlfahrt) until Tuesday. Then I’ll head back home,”
The 30-year-old was having yet another spectacular regular season, recording 97 points (35 goals, 62 assists) through 65 games. Assuming he does in fact miss the remaining 11 games, Draisaitl’s pursuit of a fifth straight 100-point season—and the seventh of his career—will fall just three short.
That being said, we all know those numbers are far from what matters most for Draisaitl and the Oilers. His health—and getting as close to 100% as possible by Game 1 of the first round—is the top priority.
April 18 is slated to be the opening day of this year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs, which is 27 days from now and 34 days from the night he suffered the injury on a hit from Ozzy Wiesblatt. If what Nick Kypreos is hearing is accurate, and Draisaitl is dealing with a similar injury to the one Sidney Crosby recently had (returning 28 days later), he should have enough time to be ready for the postseason.
For now, all Edmonton can do is focus on who is available to find some consistency heading into the playoffs, and give the other half of their two-headed monster the chance—as Draisaitl said himself—to help when he’s ready.
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