Why insider would be ‘surprised’ if Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl doesn’t play Game 1 vs. Ducks

The Edmonton Oilers are getting ready to face off against the Anaheim Ducks in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Oilers star Leon Draisaitl has been hurt, and fans are wondering when he will get back on the ice in this series. It appears one insider is giving even more information about the star’s status.

Draisaitl was seen skating by TSN reporter Ryan Rishaug, who believes that Edmonton could have him back in Game 1 of that series on Monday.

“So a full lineup is possible for game one,” Rishaug posted in part to X, formerly Twitter.

Draisaitl has been hurt and off the ice since March. Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch stated before the Stanley Cup Playoffs that he felt Draisaitl would be ready to play at some point in the Ducks series.

The Oilers are excited to have the star back. He was having a great season, before going down with a lower body injury. Draisaitl had 97 points on the year.

The Oilers have made it to the Stanley Cup Final in each of the last two seasons. Both times, Edmonton came up short.

“The expectation is the same as always,” Oilers captain Connor McDavid said, per NHL.com. “We’ve got a great belief in here. Playoff hockey is unique. It’s a skill to win in the playoffs, and we feel pretty good about having that skill, having been there and winning a lot of playoff games. That being said, it’s exciting for everybody and we’ve got to be ready to roll.”

The Oilers and Ducks face off in Game 1 on Monday. Time will tell if Draisaitl is able to join his team on the ice.

The post Why insider would be ‘surprised’ if Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl doesn’t play Game 1 vs. Ducks appeared first on ClutchPoints.