Leon Draisaitl takes leave of absence from the Oilers amid a family matter in Germany
|
Jack Sutherland
Jan 17, 2026 (2:44 PM)
|
|
Photo credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
Edmonton Oilers superstar forward Leon Draisaitl is leaving the team to return to his native Germany to attend to a sick family member, though he's expected back before long.
Once again, the Edmonton Oilers have rebounded from a slower start to their season and are back among the top teams in the Pacific Division, but they are going to be without one of their best players for the immediate future.
Superstar forward Leon Draisaitl has taken a leave of absence, and the team announced that he'll be returning to his native family to be with an unnamed family member experiencing an illness.
The Oilers released the following statement while requesting privacy for their star forward:
Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl will be taking a brief leave of absence to attend to a family illness in Germany. He is expected to return to the team later next week.
On behalf of Leon, the club asks for privacy at this time. - Edmonton Oilers
On behalf of Leon, the club asks for privacy at this time. - Edmonton Oilers
So far this year, Draisaitl continues to be one of the best players in hockey and has 67 points (25G, 42A) in 48 games played.
The Oilers Won't Have Leon Draisaitl For At Least Their Next Game Or Two
After Draisaitl announced he was taking a brief leave of absence, the Oilers will have a choice to make on whether or not they call up a forward from the American Hockey League affiliate Bakersfield Condors.
The Oilers will play against the divisional foe Vancouver Canucks tonight, followed by a game against the St. Louis Blues tomorrow.
Draisaitl could be back in time for Edmonton's game against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday, or perhaps later.
Also read on HockeyLatest :
Luke Schenn explains how the Jets finally snapped out of their slump
Luke Schenn explains how the Jets finally snapped out of their slump
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 17|135 ANSWERS Leon Draisaitl takes leave of absence from the Oilers amid a family matter in Germany Are the Oilers going to go back to a third straight SCF? | ||
| Yes | 75 | 55.6 % |
| No | 60 | 44.4 % |
| List of polls | ||