Leon Draisaitl is set to miss the remainder of the NHL regular season after sustaining a lower-body injury during a game against the Nashville Predators. The 30-year-old center left the ice following a hit from Predators forward Ozzy Wiesblatt in the first period and did not return for the rest of the contest. While he briefly reentered the game near the end of the period, he was sidelined for the second and third periods. Draisaitl, who ranks fourth in the league with 97 points (35 goals, 62 assists) in 65 games, is a critical component of the Edmonton Oilers' offense. His absence leaves a significant void, particularly on the top power-play unit, where he leads the team with 16 goals and is second in the NHL with 42 power-play points. Oilers captain Connor McDavid acknowledged the challenge of replacing Draisaitl’s impact, emphasizing the need for the team to adapt and maintain its competitive edge. The Oilers, currently third in the Pacific Division with a 33-26-9 record, have 14 games remaining in the regular season, including a matchup against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday. The team is one point behind the Vegas Golden Knights and two behind the Anaheim Ducks in the division. The Stanley Cup Playoffs are scheduled to begin April 18, two days after the Oilers’ final regular-season game. Forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins highlighted the difficulty of compensating for Draisaitl’s absence, noting that the team must rely on collective effort rather than relying on a single player. “Obviously, he's a top-four scorer, one of the most elite players in the League, so it's not like one guy can just step into his shoes,” Nugent-Hopkins said. “We kind of talked about it this morning; it's a collective thing with our group that everybody's going to need to pick up the slack.#nashville_predators #connor_mcDavid #edmonton_oilers #leon_draisaitl #ozzy_wiesblatt
Bruins notebook: Former BU star draws lofty comparison Macklin Celebrini has quickly become one of the most talked-about players in the NHL, showcasing his elite talent with the San Jose Sharks. At just 18 years old, the former Boston University star has already made a significant impact, recording 33 goals and 57 assists in 62 games this season. His performance has earned him a spot on the Canadian Olympic team, where he played alongside NHL stars like Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. Despite the high-profile company, Celebrini has remained focused, positioning himself as a serious contender for the Hart Trophy. As the Boston Bruins prepare to face the Sharks, coach Marco Sturm has emphasized the need to monitor Celebrini closely. Sturm praised the young forward’s ability to thrive in a star-studded environment, noting that the Sharks’ decision to pair him with McDavid and MacKinnon speaks volumes about his skill. “For us, you have to keep an eye on him. I almost treat him like a McDavid already,” Sturm said. “You’ve got to know when he’s on the ice and we’ve got to do our best.” Celebrini’s composure under pressure has been a standout trait. Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky highlighted his ability to stay grounded despite the attention that comes with being a top prospect. “The moment doesn’t get too big for him,” Warsofsky said. “He just plays and competes. His preparation really helps him with that. He puts everything else aside and gets ready for hockey games.” Despite his success, Celebrini remains humble and focused on his development. He recently returned to Boston for the Bruins’ Hockey East playoff game against Vermont, where he reunited with former teammates and his brother, Aiden, a Boston College defenseman. “It’s super special to see them and just be part of the game,” Celebrini said.#macklin_celebrini #san_jose_sharks #connor_mcDavid #ryan_warsofsky #marco_sturm
