The man who took out one of the Edmonton Oilers‘ top stars has shared his side of the story.

When speaking to the media on Thursday, Nashville Predators forward Ozzy Wiesblatt was asked about the hit on Oilers sniper Leon Draisaitl that led to the latter being ruled out for the remainder of the 2025-26 regular season.

“It’s too bad that he did get hurt,” Wiesblatt said. “Feel bad in that sense. But I’m just trying to finish my hit.”

The incident in question happened during the matchup between the Oilers and Predators this past Sunday. Just a few minutes into the contest, Wiesblatt caught Draisaitl with a clean check while No. 29 was trying to keep the puck in the offensive zone.

The hit itself didn’t seem that vicious, but it certainly stunned Draisaitl enough for him to exit the game prematurely.

It wasn’t clear at first how severe Draisaitl’s ailment would be. However, after it became apparent that he wouldn’t play on Tuesday night against the San Jose Sharks, it was later revealed that he wouldn’t be back before the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

There is some positive news regarding the German star. General manager Stan Bowman told the media that Draisaitl won’t need surgery for his injury, and, if everything works out, he will be ready to go by the postseason.

Losing the 33-year-0ld for the next few weeks certainly isn’t ideal, as Edmonton still has to clinch a playoff spot, and hopes to earn home-ice advantage for at least the first round of the postseason. A lot of the pressure will be pinned on captain Connor McDavid, who leads the NHL in assists (78) and points (115).

Draisaitl notched 35 goals and 62 assists for 97 points in 65 games. With his regular season finished, his streak of consecutive 100-point campaigns ends at four. The Cologne native has hit the century mark six times in his first 10 seasons as a full-time NHLer.

The Oilers (34-26-9) currently sit second in the Pacific Division, one point back of the Anaheim Ducks for first.  Edmonton is gearing up for another Stanley Cup rematch with the Florida Panthers on Thursday night.

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