Leon Draisaitl desires to help the Edmonton Oilers get back into the win column after recent scuffles, but he has more essential matters to take care of in the meanwhile. The franchise great and star center is taking a leave of absence from the team and can travel to his native Germany resulting from a family illness, per Oilers.com. He is predicted to rejoin Edmonton sooner or later next week.
Thoughts and prayers are with Draisaitl during this difficult time. The 2019-20 Hart Memorial Trophy recipient and reigning Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy winner has given fans countless memories during the last 12 years. Now, they’re showing up for him amid the sad news. Edmonton is fiercely obsessed with its hockey, however it knows that family comes first.
Draisaitl has 25 goals and 42 assists in 48 games played, rating within the top-10 for each categories. Saturday’s road matchup against the Vancouver Canucks will mark the primary time he’s inactive this season. The Oilers will depend on history-maker Connor McDavid and the remaining of their capable group to get the job done in Rogers Arena.
Edmonton (23-17-8) has been riding the see-saw since December and recently lost consecutive one-score games after winning three of 4. Kris Knoblauch’s team sits in second place within the Pacific Division, 4 points behind the Vegas Golden Knights. Although they’ve ground to make up within the Western Conference, the Oilers are confident they’ve the talent, big-game experience and chemistry to advance to their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final.
Right away, though, they’re focused on supporting their brother. Players and fans alike will certainly have Leon Draisaitl on their minds throughout the Canucks game.