The Oilers said the star forward’s absence will be brief, and that he is expected to return to the club next week. Bruce Bennett / Getty Images
Edmonton Oilers star forward Leon Draisaitl will be taking a temporary leave of absence to attend to a family illness in Germany, the team announced on Saturday.
The club added that it is expecting the 30-year-old Cologne, Germany native to return next week.
The Oilers play tonight in Vancouver against the Canucks, host the St. Louis Blues on Sunday and the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday.
The Oilers released a statement before their morning skate at Rogers Arena in Vancouver ahead of their game on Saturday night.
“Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl will be taking a brief leave of absence to attend to a family illness in Germany. He is expected to return to the team next week.
“On behalf of Leon, the club asks for privacy at this time.”
#Oilers statement re: Leon Draisaitl https://t.co/FgGcC8Pd2s
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) January 17, 2026
Draisaitl is second on the team with 67 points, 25 goals and 42 assists in 48 games this season.
Last month, Draisaitl became the first German-born player and fifth-fastest player born outside of North America to reach the 1,000-point milestone. The Oilers honored him in a ceremony last week with his family in attendance.
Draisaitl is set to play for Germany at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.