Jan 4, 2015
Oilers send F Draisaitl back to CHL
The Edmonton Oilers announced on Sunday that Leon Draisaitl was assigned to the WHL's Prince Albert Raiders but according to TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie, he won't report to the club. The 19-year-old has been traded to the Kelowna Rockets and with the player going the other way in the trade representing Switzerland at the World Junior Championship, the deal cannot be announced until Tuesday when the tournament ends.
TSN.ca Staff
Leon Draisaitl is headed back to the Canadian Hockey League.
The Edmonton Oilers announced on Sunday that the third-overall pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft was assigned to the WHL's Prince Albert Raiders.
According to TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie, Draisaitl won't actually report to the Raiders. The 19-year-old has been traded to Kelowna, but the Rockets player going the other way in the trade played for Switzerland in the World Junior Championship and the trade cannot be officially finalized or announced until Tuesday when the tournament ends.
Draisaitl played in 37 games with the Oilers this season, scoring two goals and adding seven assists. He also spent two games in the press box as a healthy scratch.
Draisaitl's assignment comes one day after Germany played their final game at the World Juniors. The Oilers opted not to loan Draisaitl to his country for the tournament.
By playing in more than 10 games this season, Draisaitl burned the first year of his entry level contract.
However, because the Oilers assigned Draisaitl before playing their 40th game of the season tonight against the New York Islanders, this season will not count toward unrestricted free agency.