The Edmonton Oilers are preparing to play some stretch of games without star forward Leon Draisaitl.
Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch revealed that but little else to reporters Monday, one day after Draisaitl exited a game against the Nashville Predators after taking a hard hit.
“He had his doctor’s appointment this morning while we were on the ice and I haven’t heard anything since,” Knoblauch said. “I think we’ll be some time without him. I’m not sure if it’s one or two (games) or how long it’s going to be. I don’t have much information right now.”
Draisaitl, 30, is fourth in the NHL with 97 points, including 17 (six goals, 11 assists) on a current nine-game point streak.
Draisaitl was on the receiving end of Nashville forward Ozzy Wiesblatt’s hit early in the first period. After his exit, he did return to take two shifts at the end of the first but did not appear after that.
“It’s not the dirtiest check in the world, but it’s just who you hit and the result of it, unfortunately. If you want to hit our top guys, there’s going to be a response,” said star teammate Connor McDavid (37 goals, 77 assists for 114 points).
The Oilers entered Monday in third place in the Pacific Division (two points out of first) and have a homestand this week, with games Tuesday against San Jose, Thursday against Florida and Saturday against Tampa Bay.
“We don’t want to aggravate it and make it worse,” Knoblauch said. “Obviously we’re looking at the big picture, but the games are important. There’s nothing for sure right now making the playoffs and we need to win hockey games, but obviously if he’s not healthy to play, he’s not going to play.”
