News - Leon Draisaitl Takes Leave to Support Family in Germany

Edmonton Oilers star forward Leon Draisaitl is temporarily stepping away from the ice to deal with a family health matter in Germany. The Oilers have announced this development and requested privacy for Draisaitl during this personal time, with expectations of his return to the team by late next week. This timeline suggests that Draisaitl may be back in action against the Pittsburgh Penguins or potentially set to face off against the Washington Capitals in upcoming games. At 30, Draisaitl continues to excel in the NHL with outstanding performances this season. In his 48 appearances, he has scored 25 goals along with 42 assists, totaling an impressive 67 points. This ranks him fifth in NHL scoring, trailing the dynamic duo of teammate Connor McDavid and Colorado's Nathan MacKinnon, both currently leading with 82 points each. A cornerstone for the Oilers since being selected third overall in the 2014 NHL Draft, Draisaitl's achievements include surpassing the monumental 1,000 career points mark. Recognized as one of the leading forwards of his generation, Draisaitl has received prestigious awards such as the Hart Trophy for MVP and the Art Ross Trophy for the highest scorer in 2020, as well as the Rocket Richard Trophy for most goals last season. Looking ahead, Draisaitl will embody national pride as he leads the German men's hockey team in the upcoming Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. With NHL players having been absent from the Olympics since 2014, this marks an important debut for Draisaitl on the global Olympic stage. Meanwhile, the Oilers are set to clash with the Vancouver Canucks before starting an extended homestand with a game against the St. Louis Blues.