The Edmonton Oilers' hopes of a Stanley Cup return were disrupted as Leon Draisaitl sustained a lower-body injury and will miss the rest of the regular season. He was hurt during a game against the Nashville Predators on Sunday and will sit out the final 14 games, ending April 16. The team has not yet confirmed if he will miss playoff action.
Draisaitl, who ranks fourth in league scoring with 97 points in 65 games, has been a key player for the Oilers. His absence comes as the team moves up to second place behind the Anaheim Ducks and ahead of the Vegas Golden Knights.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch emphasized that no one can replace Draisaitl but said the team must collectively improve. The Oilers defeated the San Jose Sharks 5-3 in their most recent game.