Draisaitl out Saturday, expected back 'well before playoffs'

Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl won't play Saturday against the Los Angeles Kings after suffering a lower-body injury during Thursday's 3-2 win over the San Jose Sharks, head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed to Oilers TV's Tony Brar.

The forward is also unlikely to suit up Monday against the Anaheim Ducks, but he should be back "well before playoffs," Knoblauch added, according to Sportsnet's Jack Michaels.

Draisaitl appeared to be in discomfort after an inauspicious-looking play during the second period of Thursday's game. He left afterward and did not return.

The 29-year-old was making his third appearance since he missed four games due to an undisclosed injury.

Draisaitl leads the NHL with 52 goals this season - 10 more than second-place William Nylander. The German's 106 points are third in the league behind Nathan MacKinnon (114) and Nikita Kucherov (111).

The Oilers continue to be without Connor McDavid, Mattias Ekholm, and Stuart Skinner due to injuries. McDavid is expected to return for the last week of the regular season.