For those at Edmonton Oilers practice on Friday, they saw Leon Draisaitl making strides and looking like his usual self.

An extra day before starting Game 1 against the Anaheim Ducks on Monday gives the Oilers group extra time to get some crucial pieces back in their lineup. Draisaitl skated on a regular line with Vasily Podkolzin and Kasperi Kapanen in a white full-contact jersey at Friday’s practice.

He hasn’t played since March 15, and although the timelines haven’t changed, vague as they are, the German superstar is looking more and more ready to join the Oilers in a real game.

“We’re getting him game-ready as much as possible, and to do that, we’re putting him with players that he would most likely play with,” said coach Kris Knoblauch on Friday. 

“He was playing a lot with Podz [Podkolzin] and Kaps [Kapanen] this year, and certainly last year. Sometime during the playoffs, most likely that’ll be a line at some point. That’s my reasoning for putting them in a line. So he might be ready for Game 1, he might be Game 3. Might be Game 5.” 

Tony Brar 🚀

@TonyBrarOTV

·Follow

Good news for Oilers fans: Leon Draisaitl is back in regular rotation at Friday’s practice. Pivoting the second line with Podkolzin & Kapanen on his wings. #Oilers

Watch on X

6:14 PM · Apr 17,........

© Oilers Nation