There is a specific kind of energy that settles over a locker room when the stars return to the ice, even if they aren’t yet ready for the game sheet. On Monday morning at Rogers Place, that energy was palpable as Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman rejoined their teammates for the morning skate, signaling a gradual but critical shift in the team’s health as the regular season winds down.
While the sight of two of the league’s most impactful forwards taking line rushes is a boost for the Edmonton Oilers, head coach Kris Knoblauch is managing expectations with a steady hand. The latest Edmonton Oilers injury update reveals a tiered recovery process: one star is knocking on the door for the season finale, while the other is being paced specifically for the intensity of the postseason.
Zach Hyman is the more immediate concern for opposing defenses. Although he will not feature in Monday’s matchup against the Colorado Avalanche, he is currently considered questionable for Thursday night’s season finale against the Vancouver Canucks. His return to practice is a significant milestone, though the coaching staff remains cautious about rushing his full integration.
For Leon Draisaitl, the timeline is viewed through a longer lens. According to Knoblauch, Draisaitl is expected to return “sometime” in Round 1 of the playoffs. By prioritizing a full recovery over a few final regular-season appearances, the Oilers are ensuring their offensive engine is firing on all cylinders when the stakes are highest.
Managing the Depth Chart
The return of Draisaitl and Hyman to the practice ice—where they spent Monday skating as part of a makeshift fifth line alongside rookie Owen Michaels—comes as the team navigates several other gaps in the roster. The road trip from last week left a few more bruises on the squad, specifically affecting the team’s depth and physical presence.
Jason Dickinson, who sacrificed his body to block a shot during a contest against the San Jose Sharks, will be sidelined for the final two games of the regular season. The team plans to re-evaluate his status before the postseason begins, leaving a void in the bottom-six forward group that the Oilers will need to fill with versatility.
More concerning is the timeline for Max Jones. After falling awkwardly during his third shift in the game against the Los Angeles Kings, Jones required assistance to leave the ice. He is now expected to be out for three to four weeks, a window that likely extends into the early stages of the playoffs.
EDM Notes: • Ingram starts vs. COL. • Hyman is not playing tonight & is questionable for Thursday’s season finale. • Dickinson will not be playing in the next two games. Will be re-evaluated before the postseason. • Jones will be out 3-4 weeks. • Draisaitl expected to
— Tony Brar (@TonyBrarOTV) April 15, 2025
Immediate Lineup Shifts and Goaltending
With several key pieces missing for Monday’s clash with Colorado, the Oilers are leaning on their depth and recent acquisitions. Connor Ingram has been slated to get the start in net, providing a steady presence as the team tests its chemistry without its primary offensive catalysts.
The recall of Isaac Howard on Sunday has already yielded a role in the upper echelon of the lineup. Howard was spotted skating on the second line during Monday’s practice, slotted alongside Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jack Roslovic. This shift allows the Oilers to maintain a scoring threat while their primary stars regain their game legs.
The current organizational approach is a balancing act of maintaining momentum while protecting assets. The top line continues to feature Vasily Podkolzin and Matt Savoie, while Adam Henrique provides the veteran center presence for Kasperi Kapanen and Curtis Lazar on the third unit. On the blue line, the pairings remain stable, led by the top duo of Mattias Ekholm and Evan Bouchard.
Oilers Injury Status Summary
| Player | Status | Projected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Zach Hyman | Questionable | Thursday vs. Vancouver |
| Leon Draisaitl | Out | Round 1 of Playoffs |
| Jason Dickinson | Out | Re-evaluated pre-postseason |
| Max Jones | Out | 3–4 Weeks |
The Path to Round 1
For a team with championship aspirations, the “human” side of these injuries is often the most critical. Recovering from a shot block or a clumsy fall is as much a mental hurdle as a physical one. Seeing Draisaitl and Hyman back on the ice at Rogers Place is not just about tactical preparation; it is a signal to the rest of the roster that the full arsenal will be available when the playoffs begin.
The strategy of delaying Draisaitl’s return until the postseason is a calculated risk. While it denies the team its most potent playmaker for the final few games of the regular season, it ensures that the player is not entering the most grueling month of the year with lingering discomfort or a risk of re-injury.
As the Oilers move toward the season finale, the focus remains on the health of the supporting cast. The team’s ability to weather the absences of Jones and Dickinson will determine how much pressure falls on the top two lines during the opening series.
The next major checkpoint for the organization will be Thursday’s game against Vancouver, where the status of Zach Hyman will be finalized. Following that, all eyes will shift to the official playoff bracket and the final medical clearances for the roster.
Do you think the Oilers are right to hold Draisaitl until the playoffs, or should he play the final games to get his timing back? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
