While he likely isn't playing at 100 per cent health, the Edmonton Oilers say Leon Draisaitl will be in the lineup for Game 1 against the Calgary Flames Wednesday.
General manager Ken Holland confirmed the news during an appearance on Oilers Now, adding that Evander Kane and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins — who both, along with Draisaitl, missed practice Tuesday — will play in Game 1 as well.
Draisaitl suffered a leg injury during the first period of Game 6 against the Los Angeles Kings and has been playing through visible discomfort ever since. Despite that, he set up the game-winning goal in Game 6 to extend the Oilers' season and then skated nearly 23 minutes in Game 7 — second only to Connor McDavid on the team — contributing an assist and a plus-two rating.
Draisaitl led the Oilers with 55 goals this season and was the only player in the NHL to have 50 goals and 50 assists.
No reason was given for Kane and Nugent-Hopkins' absence from practice.
The Oilers and Flames open their second-round series — the first playoff series between the provincial rivals in 31 years — Wednesday night. You can watch the game on Sportsnet, SN NOW and CBC beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET/ 7:30 p.m. MT.
