The Edmonton Oilers received a significant boost in morale on Monday as star forwards Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman both returned to the ice for the team’s morning skate. This critical Oilers injury update comes at a pivotal moment for the franchise, which is currently balancing a fight for the Pacific Division title with the looming start of the 2026 postseason.
The sight of both players participating in the session provides some relief for a team that has struggled to maintain consistency in their absence. According to reports from TSN’s Ryan Rishaug, Draisaitl appeared to be progressing well, skating “fairly well” during the session. The superstar, who has been sidelined since March 15 due to a lower-body injury, noted that he has been intentionally amping up his skating intensity over the past week.
Despite the positive visual evidence on the ice, the road to a full return remains cautious. While the Oilers are eager to reclaim their full offensive potency, the timeline for Draisaitl’s return to game action suggests a staggered reintegration rather than an immediate jump back into the lineup for the start of the playoffs.
Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman were both on the ice for Oilers morning skate.
Playoff Timeline: When Will the Stars Return?
While the return to skating is a necessary milestone, Draisaitl has been transparent about his current status. He admitted that he is unlikely to be healthy in time for game one of the Stanley Cup playoffs, which are scheduled to begin on Saturday, April 18. However, expectations remain optimistic for a return “sometime” during the first round of the postseason, according to updates shared via Oilers Nation.
Zach Hyman’s timeline appears more immediate. Sidelined since April 2, Hyman was also present for Monday’s skate. While he is confirmed to be out for the team’s immediate game tonight, he is currently listed as questionable for the season finale this coming Thursday. His ability to play in the final regular-season game could serve as a vital litmus test for his readiness heading into the playoffs.
The urgency of these returns cannot be overstated. The Oilers have found it difficult to weather the storm without their primary offensive engines. the club has managed to win just one out of four games since both Draisaitl and Hyman were simultaneously absent from the lineup on April 13.
Broader Roster Challenges and Defensive Woes
The injury concerns in Edmonton extend beyond the star forwards. The team continues to navigate several other roster gaps as they finalize their playoff preparations. Jason Dickinson is currently unavailable and will not play in the next two games, with a re-evaluation scheduled before the postseason begins. Defenseman Max Jones is expected to be out for three to four weeks, further thinning the blue line.
The struggle on the defensive end has been a recurring theme throughout the 2025-26 campaign. Edmonton has allowed 263 goals so far this season, a figure that ranks as the fifth-worst in the NHL. This defensive vulnerability has put increased pressure on the offense to produce, making the health of Draisaitl and Hyman even more critical.
For the immediate future, the Oilers will rely on goaltender Ingram to start the upcoming contest against Colorado, as the team attempts to stabilize its play before the postseason push.
The Race for the Pacific Division
Despite the injury hurdles and defensive lapses, the Oilers remain in a competitive position for divisional honors. They currently sit just one point behind the Las Vegas Golden Knights in the Pacific Division standings with only two games remaining in the regular season on April 13.
Securing the division title would provide a significant psychological and seeding advantage. After reaching the Stanley Cup finals in each of the previous two seasons, the 2026 postseason arrives with less external hype, but the internal drive to return to the finals remains high. The ability to integrate Draisaitl and Hyman back into the fold during the early stages of Round 1 could be the deciding factor in how deep the Oilers’ run goes this year.
Key Injury Status Summary
| Player | Injury/Status | Expected Return/Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Leon Draisaitl | Lower-body injury | Unlikely for Game 1 (April 18); expected sometime in Round 1 |
| Zach Hyman | Sidelined since April 2 | Questionable for Thursday’s season finale |
| Jason Dickinson | Injured | Out next two games; re-evaluated before playoffs |
| Max Jones | Injured | Out 3-4 weeks |
The next confirmed checkpoint for the team will be Thursday’s season finale, which will provide the final clarity on Zach Hyman’s availability and further insight into the team’s readiness for the playoffs. As the Oilers look to close the gap with Las Vegas and prepare for the intensity of the postseason, every minute of skating for their stars is a step toward championship contention.
What do you think about the Oilers’ chances in the 2026 playoffs without Draisaitl for Game 1? Share your thoughts in the comments below and follow World Today Journal for the latest sports updates.