The Edmonton Oilers entered Game 1 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Anaheim Ducks with full strength after activating star forward Leon Draisaitl from long-term injured reserve. Draisaitl, who missed the final 14 games of the regular season with a lower-body injury, was officially announced as active by the team on Monday ahead of the series opener.
Draisaitl skated with the top line alongside Vasily Podkolzin and Kasperi Kapanen during full practice sessions and worked on the Oilers’ power play unit. Coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed the team had been preparing for this moment, keeping the activation under wraps until the final hours before puck drop. The Oilers will now enter the playoffs with their most dangerous lineup intact.
Draisaitl’s return adds another offensive threat to a team already led by two-time MVP Connor McDavid. The duo combined for 104 goals and 247 assists during the regular season, forming one of the most lethal top lines in the league. Draisaitl’s presence on the power play, where he averaged 1.2 points per game, could prove especially crucial in a series against a Ducks penalty kill ranked 28th in the league.
Podkolzin, who took Draisaitl’s place during the regular season, chipped in 18 goals and 34 assists in 72 games, while Kapanen added 15 goals and 29 points in 68 games. Their chemistry with Draisaitl during training camp and early in the season will be tested in a high-pressure playoff setting.
The Ducks will counter with their own top line of Trevor Zegras, Mason McTavish, and Rickard Rakell. The trio led Anaheim in scoring during the regular season, combining for 79 goals and 162 points. Goalie John Gibson, who posted a .918 save percentage and 2.49 goals-against average, will be the key to keeping the Oilers’ offense in check.
With Draisaitl back in the lineup, the Oilers are now fully healthy and ready to defend their Pacific Division title. The Ducks will look to disrupt Edmonton’s rhythm early in the series, but the return of one of the league’s top playmakers gives the Oilers a major edge.
Game 1 of the series is set for Thursday night at Honda Center in Anaheim. The Oilers are favored to win the first round and will be looking to build momentum with a strong start.
The Houston Astros have outrighted right-hander J.P. France to Triple-A Sugar Land. The move comes after France cleared waivers following his designation for assignment last week. The 28-year-old now has the option to elect free agency, though the club has not yet announced his decision.
5 hours ago
Rays manager Kevin Cash confirmed on Monday that right-handed reliever Edwin Uceta has been diagnosed with a subscapularis strain in his throwing shoulder. The injury will keep Uceta sidelined for another 2-3 weeks, pushing back his return to the first half of May and nearly eliminating the chance h
5 hours ago
The Arizona Diamondbacks have outrighted first baseman Luken Baker to Triple-A Reno, according to the MLB.com transaction log. The move came after the team designated him for assignment to make room for Lourdes Gurriel Jr.’s return from the injured list.
5 hours ago
The Golden State Warriors engaged in trade discussions with the Los Angeles Clippers for both Ivica Zubac and Kawhi Leonard earlier this offseason. While those talks did not result in a deal, they reveal the Warriors’ ongoing pursuit of strategic roster changes as they navigate the post-Stephen Curr
6 hours ago