Oilers' Leon Draisaitl breaks his silence on leave of absence last month
Photo credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Edmonton Oilers star forward Leon Draisaitl has opened up about the leave of absence he took last month to return home to Germany to attend to a family illness.
The Edmonton Oilers were briefly without star forward Leon Draisaitl in January, as he took a leave of absence from the team to return home to his native Germany and be with a sick family member.
While he was away, the Oilers went 2-1 in the three games that he wasn't available for.
He's since returned to the team, and later spoke about the experience that really helped to put life into perspective for him.
Obviously I needed to be with my family. It puts things into perspective at times, how little this in here really matters when it comes to life. - Leon Draisaitl
Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch praised Draisaitl for the strength he showed in the face of difficult family circumstances.
Leon, I can't imagine what he's gone through this past week and a half. You play under the circumstances that he did, flying all day, the time change … and then playing. It would be ridiculous to think Leon would be at his best.
He definitely helps us in the lineup, just being there. Obviously when we're having success and the team's playing well, he's a big part of it. And we welcome him playing at his best.
- Kris Knoblauch
He definitely helps us in the lineup, just being there. Obviously when we're having success and the team's playing well, he's a big part of it. And we welcome him playing at his best.
- Kris Knoblauch
Leon Draisaitl Is Back With The Oilers Just In Time
Draisaitl came back to the Oilers just in time, as they are trying to chase the divisional foe Vegas Golden Knights for the first overall place in the Pacific division.
Soon, the Oilers will be in the stretch run toward the playoffs and will have their eyes set on trying to make a third straight Stanley Cup Final appearance.
So far this year, Draisaitl has 78 points (27G, 51A) in 53 games.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 1|461 ANSWERS Oilers' Leon Draisaitl breaks his silence on leave of absence last month Will Leon Draisaitl help lead the Oilers to a third straight Stanley Cup Final? | ||
| Yes | 234 | 50.8 % |
| No | 227 | 49.2 % |
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