Leon Draisaitl’s status for Game 1 becomes clearer after Oilers morning skate
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Tyler Ball
Apr 19, 2026 (4:08 PM)
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Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
This afternoon, the Edmonton Oilers seem to have confirmed Leon Draisaitl’s status for Game 1 against the Anaheim Ducks.
Leon Draisaitl missed the last several games of the regular season while working his way back from an undisclosed injury.
Ahead of the playoffs, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch made it clear that Draisaitl might not be ready to play in Game 1 against the Anaheim Ducks as he continues to recover.
Today, Draisaitl took a major step forward that indicates he is likely to play tomorrow for the Oilers as they host the Ducks.
Leon Draisaitl’s Game 1 status becomes clearer after Oilers morning skate
According to multiple reports from this morning’s Oilers practice, Draisaitl was seen skating in a regular full contact jersey.
He was seen skating on the second line alongside regular linemates Vasily Podkolzin and Kasperi Kapanen.
Draisaitl back centering Podkolzin and Kapanen, for the second straight practice, bodes well for a Game 1 appearance.
Meanwhile Dickinson at 3C this morning.
Meanwhile Dickinson at 3C this morning.
In addition, Draisaitl was on the top powerplay unit as well further confirming the Oilers expect him to play.
This is a massive boost for an Oilers group that many were concerned could be on upset alert without Draisaitl in the lineup.
While it remains unclear if Draisaitl is 100%, having him back in the lineup will be a major boost to even just help take pressure off of Connor McDavid.
As the Oilers take the ice tomorrow night it will be interesting to see if Draisaitl faces any restrictions or if he is fully back to his old self.
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