Oilers will not play against the Kings on Saturday due to Leon Draisaitl’s short-term absence.

The National Hockey League (NHL) is no stranger to injuries, suspensions, or other disruptions that can shake up a team’s lineup, but when a superstar like Leon Draisaitl is sidelined, it sends ripples through an entire franchise. The Edmonton Oilers, who have enjoyed success thanks to the potent combination of Draisaitl and captain Connor McDavid, faced such a disruption recently. As the Oilers prepared to face off against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday, April 5, 2025, a sudden injury forced the team to take a step back. The absence of Draisaitl for this crucial matchup has raised questions about how the team will perform in his absence, and how the Kings, who have historically struggled against the Oilers, will capitalize on this opportunity. In this article, we will explore Draisaitl’s impact on the Oilers, what the team’s strategies might look like without him, and how the Kings can adjust to take advantage of his short-term absence.

The Rise of Leon Draisaitl: The Heart of the Oilers’ Offense

Leon Draisaitl’s place in the NHL as one of the league’s premier talents cannot be overstated. Over the past few seasons, Draisaitl has been a dominant force for the Edmonton Oilers, earning recognition not just for his prolific scoring but for his complete game. Draisaitl’s offensive contributions go beyond just putting the puck in the net; he is also an elite playmaker, capable of setting up his teammates for high-quality scoring chances. His hockey IQ, vision on the ice, and ability to make quick decisions have set him apart as one of the most well-rounded players in the game today.

The 2024-2025 season saw Draisaitl continuing to build on his already stellar career. As of the game against the Kings, he had surpassed the 100-point mark, notching 49 goals and 52 assists. His point production is only a part of the equation, however. Draisaitl’s ability to control the tempo of the game, particularly in high-pressure situations, has made him indispensable for the Oilers. The chemistry he shares with McDavid is something few other duos in the NHL can match. Together, they form one of the most dangerous offensive pairings in modern hockey, wreaking havoc on opposing defenses.

It is no surprise that when Draisaitl is absent, the Oilers face a considerable challenge. His versatility allows the team to maintain a dynamic, high-scoring attack. Whether it’s on the power play, at even strength, or in overtime, Draisaitl’s presence on the ice is vital for the Oilers’ success. For a team built around offensive firepower, the loss of such a pivotal player can send ripples through every facet of their play.

Draisaitl’s Absence: What It Means for the Oilers

The news of Draisaitl’s short-term absence from the lineup was a blow to the Oilers’ offensive structure. While injuries are part of any team’s season, losing one of your top scorers, and arguably one of the top players in the entire league, forces a team to reevaluate its strategies. The Oilers, who rely heavily on their star players to carry the offensive load, must now figure out how to navigate this challenge.

One of the most significant impacts of Draisaitl’s absence will be felt on the power play. Draisaitl’s presence on the man advantage has been a key factor in the Oilers’ success. His vision, ability to make precise passes, and deadly shooting touch make him a constant threat. Without him, the Oilers will need to turn to other options to keep their power play clicking. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, and Evander Kane will likely be asked to take on more responsibility in this area. While each of these players has had success on the power play, none can replicate the exact dynamic that Draisaitl brings.

The Oilers will also need to adjust their line combinations. Draisaitl often centers one of the top two lines, and his absence could mean that either McDavid or another top-six forward will have to shift their positioning. The adjustments required may disrupt the flow of the team’s forward units, as McDavid may need to assume an even more significant role in both scoring and playmaking.

Additionally, Edmonton’s depth players will be asked to step up and fill the void. Players like Ryan McLeod, who has been inconsistent at times, and Derek Ryan will need to contribute more offensively and help mitigate the drop-off in production without Draisaitl. The team’s defensive core will also play an important role in contributing offensively. Players like Tyson Barrie and Evan Bouchard, who have experience contributing on the power play, may see more opportunities to jump into the rush and generate offense.

The Oilers’ Depth and How It Might Hold Up

Although the Oilers’ roster is heavily reliant on their star players, their depth has improved in recent seasons. This depth will be tested in Draisaitl’s absence. The Oilers’ ability to succeed without their star forward will depend on how well the secondary players can rise to the occasion.

Head coach Jay Woodcroft, known for his tactical acumen and ability to adjust on the fly, will need to find creative ways to keep the team’s momentum going. While it’s clear that Draisaitl’s absence is a significant blow, Woodcroft has a track record of getting the best out of his players. For instance, if McDavid is tasked with playing on a different line to help balance the scoring, Woodcroft could potentially elevate the roles of players like Hyman and Kane to give the Oilers more offensive options.

In addition to adjusting his forward lines, Woodcroft will also need to ensure that his team doesn’t abandon its defensive responsibilities. The Oilers have a solid group of defensemen who can contribute offensively, and this could be an area where the team can make up for the loss of a key offensive contributor. Barrie and Bouchard, in particular, are capable of jumping into the play and generating shots from the blue line. As the Oilers adjust their systems, their defensemen will need to step up and become more involved in the offensive game.

The Los Angeles Kings: A Chance to Capitalize

For the Los Angeles Kings, the Oilers’ loss of Draisaitl presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The Kings, who have historically struggled against the Oilers, now have a chance to exploit the absence of one of Edmonton’s most dangerous offensive weapons. Los Angeles, led by veteran center Anze Kopitar, has a well-rounded roster, with strong goaltending from Pheonix Copley and a solid defensive core.

The Kings’ defense, led by Drew Doughty, will need to be at its best in this game. Without Draisaitl, the Oilers’ attack may lack some of its usual firepower, but McDavid still poses a significant threat. The Kings will need to ensure that McDavid does not find too much room to operate. Doughty, known for his ability to shut down opposing stars, will likely be matched up against McDavid for much of the game.

The Kings’ offense, led by Kopitar and Viktor Arvidsson, will also need to capitalize on the Oilers’ potential vulnerabilities. The Oilers, without Draisaitl, may be more prone to mistakes or miscommunication, especially in their own zone. If the Kings can pressure Edmonton’s defense and create turnovers, they could find themselves with more scoring opportunities than usual. The Kings’ power play could also play a significant role, as the Oilers’ penalty kill, while strong, may be more susceptible without Draisaitl leading the charge.

Looking Ahead: The Oilers’ Path to Success

The short-term absence of Draisaitl will certainly have an impact on the Oilers, but the team has the depth and leadership necessary to weather this storm. The key will be maintaining focus on the collective goal and not allowing the absence of one player to disrupt the entire team’s rhythm. McDavid, as always, will need to lead the charge, but the Oilers must ensure that their supporting cast continues to contribute.

Edmonton’s depth, especially in the forward group, will be tested in Draisaitl’s absence. Players like Nugent-Hopkins, Hyman, and Kane will need to step up and help create scoring chances. The defense must also continue to play an active role in generating offense, particularly on the power play. The Oilers have the talent to remain competitive even without one of their top stars, but they must remain disciplined and focused.

 The Oilers’ Resilience in the Face of Adversity

While the absence of Leon Draisaitl is undoubtedly a setback for the Edmonton Oilers, it is not a death knell. The Oilers have a deep, talented roster capable of overcoming this challenge. With McDavid leading the charge and other players stepping up in key roles, the Oilers will look to maintain their high level of play.

As for the Los Angeles Kings, this is their opportunity to take advantage of the Oilers’ temporary vulnerability. If they can neutralize McDavid and exploit any weaknesses in the Oilers’ game, the Kings could walk away with an important victory. Ultimately, the outcome of this game will come down to the adaptability of both teams, the resilience of the Oilers in Draisaitl’s absence, and the Kings’ ability to capitalize on this rare opportunity.

The absence of one of the league’s top talents is a reminder that in hockey, no player is irreplaceable. But it also serves as a testament to the strength of the team concept, and how a collective effort can keep a team moving forward even in difficult circumstances.