Oilers’ Draisaitl expected back later this week, coach says

The Edmonton Oilers should be getting their superstar back imminently.

Leon Draisaitl is expected to return later this week after taking a leave to return to his family home in Cologne, Germany, on Friday due to what the team described as “a family illness,” according to head coach Kris Knoblauch.

Draisaitl has missed the Oilers’ past two games and will also miss Tuesday’s game against the New Jersey Devils.

The 30-year-old has 25 goals and 42 assists through 48 games this season.

Meanwhile, forward Kasperi Kapanen is expected to miss about a week, per Knoblauch.

The 29-year-old was injured in Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Blues after sliding hard into the boards behind Edmonton’s net in the first period.

Kapanen was slow to get up but skated off on his own power. He did not return to the game.

The Finnish speedster has nine points in 14 games.