Leon Draisaitl returned to the Edmonton Oilers lineup for Game 1 against the Los Angeles Kings on Monday after missing the team’s final seven regular-season games.
Draisaitl had been sidelined since April 3 when he was injured during an innocent-looking play against the San Jose Sharks.
The 28-year-old center also missed four games in March with an undisclosed issue, bringing his total to 11 absences in Edmonton’s final 14 regular-season contests.
Despite the missed time, Draisaitl captured his first Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy this season, leading the NHL with 52 goals in 71 games.
He finished the regular season with 106 points, marking the sixth time in his career he’s reached the 100-point milestone.
Zach Hyman also returned to the Oilers lineup after sitting out the final three regular-season games with an undisclosed injury. The winger contributed 27 goals and 44 points in 73 games this season.
Edmonton welcomed back forward Trent Frederic as well. Frederic had played just one regular-season game for the Oilers on April 5 before reinjuring his ankle after logging only 7:10 of ice time.
