Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl is taking a short leave of absence to care for a family member’s illness in Germany, the team announced Saturday ahead of Edmonton’s ongoing game against the Vancouver Canucks.
The Oilers said the 30-year-old star is expected to return next week and asked for privacy on Draisaitl’s behalf.
“Obviously we’re going to miss Leon, and hopefully it won’t be long. And obviously we support Leon,” head coach Kris Knoblauch said after the team’s morning skate.
“What’s going on now, it’s an unfortunate situation.”
Draisaitl has been one of Edmonton’s most important players this season. He ranks second on the Oilers and fifth in the NHL with 67 points, including 25 goals and 42 assists.
He is on pace for his fifth straight season with more than 100 points and led the league in goals last season, winning the Rocket Richard Trophy with 52.
He had not missed a game this season and the timing of the announcement came shortly before the Oilers faced Vancouver in today’s game.
“Obviously we’re going to miss him. But the job comes second,” Oilers captain Connor McDavid said.
“Everyone here is a brother, father, son, whatever it is, and those kinds of things come first. He needs to go home and be with his family, and obviously we’re thinking about him and his whole family. We’ve got to take care of things.”
McDavid added that Edmonton is used to adapting when players are out. “There are a lot of opportunities for guys to step up and make an impact,” he said.
