Kris Knoblauch gives a concerning update on Leon Draisaitl’s status for the playoffs
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Tyler Ball
Apr 13, 2026 (2:48 PM)
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Photo credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
This afternoon, Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch provided a concerning update on Leon Draisaitl’s status for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
With the Stanley Cup Playoffs just around the corner, the Edmonton Oilers are dealing with a laundry list of injuries.
Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, Jason Dickinson, and Max Jones all remain out and until today their playoff status remained in question.
In a new press conference, Knoblauch was able to give an update on the recovery of all four players including a surprising update on Draisaitl.
Kris Knoblauch gives disappointing update on Leon Draisaitl’s status for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs
While providing injury updates, Knoblauch confirmed that Draisaitl would be back at some point in round one but seemed doubtful about game one.
As for the others, Jones and Dickinson both will miss the rest of the regular season while Zach Hyman sounds closest to a return.
After Knoblauch spoke, Draisaitl himself gave some insight and further seemed to confirm that game 1 is unlikely for him.
With Draisaitl out, the Oilers need to heavily rely on their depth and young players including Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Matt Savoie, and potentially even Isaac Howard to step up into big roles.
If the injury Draisaitl is dealing with could impact him long-term then prioritizing his recovery is something the Oilers will need to support.
While missing Draisaitl early in the series could damage the Oilers chances of winning having him be a superstar well into his 30s is much more important overall.
As more information is provided on Draisaitl’s injury and impending return to the Oilers lineup we will pass that information along to you.
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