Leon Draisaitl has played all quarterfinals and semifinals of the NHL playoffs for the Edmonton Oilers despite tearing his right ankle syndesmosis. Corresponding media reports confirmed General Manager Ken Holland on Wednesday.
The Canadians failed 4-0 at the Colorado Avalanche in the best-of-seven series on Tuesday night and missed the final.
“He played with a lot of pain,” said Holland: “He mightn’t train and only play in games, but he had 32 points.” It was “incredible” at what level Draisaitl played, “with what he went through”. According to Holland, Draisaitl does not need an operation.
In a total of 16 play-off games, Draisaitl scored seven goals and provided 25 assists. The striker had not shed any real light into the darkness even following being eliminated. “I’m sure you can see in the video what kind of injury it is,” said the man from Cologne.
Draisaitl tore the syndesmosis in game six of the round of 16 duel with the Los Angeles Kings.
