Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl has taken a leave of absence to attend to a family illness in Germany. The team announced the news on Saturday, January 17, 2026, just prior to their morning skate at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, ahead of their game against the Vancouver Canucks.
Draisaitl, 30, is expected to return to the team later next week, according to the Oilers' statement. The organization has requested privacy on behalf of Draisaitl and his family during this time.
"Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl will be taking a brief leave of absence to attend to a family illness in Germany," the Oilers said in a statement. "He is expected to return to the team later next week. On behalf of Leon, the club asks for privacy at this time".
Draisaitl has played in all 48 of the Oilers' games this season, recording 25 goals and 42 assists for 67 points. He is averaging 22:05 of ice time per game and is a point away from reaching 600 career assists. Only three members in Oilers history have reached that milestone.
In his absence, the Oilers will be without a key player as they navigate a busy schedule leading up to the Olympic break on February 5. The team has eight games remaining in January and are currently second in the Pacific Division with a 23-17-8 record.
The Oilers have adjusted their lines in Draisaitl's absence. Vasily Podkolzin has been moved to the top line alongside Connor McDavid and Zach Hyman, while Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is centering Trent Frederic and Kasperi Kapanen.
"Obviously we'll miss him, but the job comes second," said Oilers captain Connor McDavid. "Everybody in here is a brother, a father, a son and that stuff comes first. He has to go home and be with his family. We're thinking about him and his entire family. And we have to take care of things while he's gone".
Head coach Kris Knoblauch added, "Hopefully it's not very long. We support Leon with what's going on right now. It's an unfortunate situation but it is what it is".
Draisaitl's absence will be noticeable as the Oilers face the Canucks, St. Louis Blues, New Jersey Devils, Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals in the coming days. The team will rely on other players to step up and fill the void left by the former Hart Trophy winner.
The Oilers are also carrying three goalies on their NHL roster.
Draisaitl is expected to represent Germany at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. His father, Peter, was a goalie for the German Olympic team on three occasions.
