Medical expert speculates on Leon Draisaitl's return timeline after his latest public appearance
|
Jack Sutherland
Mar 21, 2026 (9:03 PM)
|
|
Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
A well known sports physician is weighing in on the injury to Edmonton Oilers star forward Leon Draisaitl and whether or not he could return for the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs next month.
It was announced by the Edmonton Oilers that star forward Leon Draisaitl, who already has 97 points (35G, 62) so far this year, is going to miss the rest of the regular season with a lower-body injury.
As you can imagine, it naturally drove Oilers fans to wonder on whether or not their fellow star forward of captain Connor McDavid would be ready for the start of the playoffs next month.
Prominent sports physician Dr. Harjas Grewal, who is based in Vancouver and often offers online diagnoses, gave his take on Draisaitl's injury and what the chances are of potentially needing surgery and his chances of being available for the start of the playoffs.
Watch closely and you can see Draisaitl isn't bending his left knee as much as his right. This video + injury video + report of no surgery needed and it very well could be an MCL injury. Grade 1 and he's for sure good for game 1 playoffs, if grade 2 it's still quite likely. - Dr. Harjas Grewal
The postseason is set to begin on April 18, which is a little less than a full month from right now.
Leon Draisaitl Confirmed He Will Miss At Least A Few Weeks
Draisaitl went back to his native Germany to seek treatment from world renowned physician Dr. Müller-Wohlfahrt, and confirmed that his injury is going to keep him out for at least a few weeks.
It will definitely take a few weeks. I hope we go far enough so I can help the team again. - Leon Draisaitl
Based on what Draisaitl said, it almost sounds like he implied he hopes his team makes it far enough in the playoffs for him to still be able to play this year.
Also read on HockeyLatest :
Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz hospitalized after scary incident in warmups
Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz hospitalized after scary incident in warmups