The Edmonton Oilers are heating up at the right time.

After looking like they were at risk of missing the playoffs just a few weeks ago, the Oilers have suddenly put together a season-best four-game winning streak. They are now just two points shy of the Anaheim Ducks for first place in the Pacific Division with seven games to go.

What makes this late-season turnaround all the more impressive is that they’ve been doing it without one of their best players.

The Oilers have been without Leon Draisaitl for the last seven games as he continues to rehab from a lower-body injury sustained on March 15 against the Nashville Predators. Since then, a timeline for a return has been rather vague.

The Oilers have said that they expect their superstar forward to return for the playoffs, though it didn’t seem to be a guarantee, either. Uneasiness amongst Edmonton fans crept in after it was learned that he had travelled to Germany to meet with renowned practitioner Dr. Hans-Wilhelm Müller-Wohlfahrt.

Since that visit, things have remained mum on Draisaitl’s status, though a recent update from Jason Gregor of Sports 1440 should help lift the spirits of Oilers fans.

“It’s a knee issue. My understanding is that it’s a second degree MCL issue,” Gregor said on The Jason Gregor Show.

Generally, a Grade 2 MCL injury takes four to six weeks to make a full recovery. This coming Monday will mark three weeks since Draisaitl sustained his injury.

Gregor went on to say that there is a strong chance that Draisaitl is ready to go for Game 1 of the first round of playoffs, and could even suit up late in the regular season. He’s currently on long-term injured reserve and can be activated as soon as Saturday, April 11.

Jason Gregor says Oilers Leon Draisaitl’s injury is related to his knee and could be a second degree MCL issue.

There’s a very good chance he’ll be ready for the playoffs and possibly return for one or two regular season games. He’s eligible to come back on April.11th.
The…

— Bleed Oil Blue (@BleedOilBlue) April 1, 2026

It goes without saying that getting Draisaitl back in the lineup would be huge for the suddenly surging Oilers. Prior to his injury, he had 35 goals and 97 points in 65 games. Should he be able to return late in the regular season, he would have an opportunity to hit the 100-point mark for the seventh time in his career.

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