Leon Draisaitl praised the Edmonton Oilers for tightening their play during his injury absence, pointing to a more structured approach as the team prepares for the NHL playoffs.
Speaking after practice at Rogers Place, Draisaitl said he has been impressed with how the group has adapted. According to him, this is the style the Oilers have been trying to build all season.
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“Some good hockey, some really good stretches,” Draisaitl said. “I think very compact, very tight hockey games. Kind of what we’ve been searching for all year. Seemed like the guys really, you know, dialed that in and you know I’m obviously, yeah, looking to help that out at some point hopefully, but I think I think they’ve done a great job.”
Draisaitl has been sidelined since March 15 with a lower-body injury. Despite missing one of their top offensive players, Edmonton has stayed competitive. The team holds a strong record in his absence and remains in the hunt near the top of the Pacific Division.
Players across the lineup have taken on bigger roles in Draisaitl’s absence, helping maintain offensive production and defensive balance. That effort has allowed the Oilers to stay consistent during a crucial stretch.
Meanwhile, Draisaitl is feeling good and is close to a potential return.
“Yeah, I feel fine,” Draisaitl said. “Obviously, it’s progress, and you know there’s a timeline and you kind of have to follow that. But all in all, I feel pretty good, and it’s just one day at a time.”
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Leon Draisaitl on the Oilers showing playoff hockey
Draisaitl also sees signs of a team preparing for playoff hockey. He acknowledged there have been ups and downs but stressed that every contender goes through similar phases late in the season.
“I’ve seen a lot of spurts,” Draisaitl said. “I’ve seen a lot of time where I have, and then obviously you have times where it doesn’t look great. But that’s every team right now. You see that in every team.
“The best teams in the league, you know, they cough one up every once in a while. It just happens. But I do see a team that is ready to go and you know wants to go on another run.”
Before the injury, Draisaitl was leading the Oilers with 97 points in 65 games. His chemistry with Connor McDavid remains central to Edmonton’s attack. His return will give a big boost to a team already finding rhythm.
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He is still ruled out for the final two regular-season games against the Colorado Avalanche and the Vancouver Canucks. So, the focus remains on ensuring he is fully ready for the playoffs rather than rushing him back.
The Oilers close the regular season with key home games that could impact seeding. With momentum building and Draisaitl nearing a return, Edmonton appears to be aligning its game at the right time.
