Watch above: Oilers head coach Todd Nelson, Jordan Eberle, Andrew Ference and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins weigh in on decision to send Leon Draisaitl back to juniors.
EDMONTON — The Edmonton Oilers have assigned centre Leon Draisaitl back to the junior Canadian Hockey League (CHL).
“We wish Leon the best going back to junior,” Oilers head coach Todd Nelson said following morning practice Sunday.
“The short time I had to work with Leon was a pleasure. I thought that his game improved over the time he was here.”
Draisaitl, 19, has appeared in 37 games this season, recording two goals and seven assists.
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He was selected by the Oilers third overall in the 2014 NHL entry draft.
The Cologne, Germany native posted 170 points in 136 CHL games with the Prince Albert Raiders over two seasons. The Raiders say Draisaitl will be released back to the team, pending a trade of his Western Hockey League rights.
By sending Draisaitl back before he played his 40th game, the Oilers keep him from accruing a year toward free agency.
Edmonton already burned the first year of his entry-level contract by keeping him around for more than nine games.
Shortly after the move was announced Sunday morning, hockey fans began to share their thoughts on social media.
*With files from The Canadian Press.
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