The Oilers got a big Leon Draisaitl update today and it changes everything for Round 1

Kris Knoblauch has already said Draisaitl is expected back sometime early in the first round, not locked in for Game 1.

That changes how Edmonton has to attack Anaheim from the opening faceoff.

The Oilers finished 41-30-11 and drew the Ducks, with Game 1 set for April 20 in Edmonton.

Draisaitl also did not miss a couple of quiet games. He finished the regular season with 35-62-97 in 65 games.

White jerseys at practice matter because they show who is being protected and who is being tested.

Podkolzin and Kapanen working around the McDavid line says more than any injury label.

It tells you Edmonton is preparing for a heavier forecheck series where speed alone will not solve broken puck support.

Fans can smell this one, if Draisaitl is less than himself, the whole series feels tighter than it should.

Without him, the man advantage loses its left-circle hammer and its second layer of fear.

That matters because Connor McDavid can still drive entries, but Anaheim can cheat more aggressively once Draisaitl's one-touch threat is gone.

At five-on-five, the bigger issue is touch around the slot.

Draisaitl slows the game just enough to let Hyman-type net-front work or weak-side seams open. Podkolzin and Kapanen can help on retrievals, but they do not bend coverage the same way.

So this is the bet. Edmonton is trying to survive the first punch with structure, then drop Draisaitl into a series that should already be leaning its way.

If that works, the Oilers look dangerous again by Game 3. If it does not, Round 1 gets messy fast.