Leon Draisaitl leaves the Edmonton Oilers.

The Edmonton Oilers have just shared some very unfortunate news.

On Saturday, in an official announcement, the Oilers revealed that star forward Leon Draisaitl will be taking a personal leave of absence from the team. The leave of absence is related to a family illness, and of course the concern when it comes to announcements like this is always with the family.

Draisaitl will be traveling back to his home country of Germany during his absence from the team.

The good news here for hockey fans is that Draisaitl is not expected to be taking an extended leave of absence here, with the Oilers making it clear in their statement that they expect Draisaitl to return in short order. According to the Oilers, Draisaitl is expected to return to the team at some point next week.

Draisaitl is of course one of the most important pieces of the Oilers lineup and is considered to be one of two players who truly makes the Oilers offensive engine run alongside teammate Connor McDavid and losing him for any length of time is a tough blow to the team.

Draisaitl is having another incredible season with 25 goals and 42 assists for a total of 67 points already despite playing in only 48 games thus far this season.

Stay tuned for more on this developing story.