Oilers News: NHL GM Meetings chaos and Draisaitl injury update

Nothing in this world is perfect and if you follow the NHL, you will know that better than most. It is a random sport that has so many variables going into each game and decision that it is nearly impossible to be perfect at any aspect.

Lukcily, the latest general manager meetings are taking place and there seems to be appetite by the powers that be to try and get the game as close to perfect as possible. The main topics on the table according to various reports were; The Stanley Cup Playoff salary cap, the CHL-NHL agreement, and some more contentious issues such as goalie interference and Department of Player Safety.

'Spicy' GM meetings

According to various reports, the GM meetings seemed to go off the rails. Michael Russo of the Athletic revealed that Anaheim Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek sought clarity on the topic of the coach's challenge and goaltender interference.

In Russo's words "But that didn’t dissuade Ducks GM Pat Verbeek from seeking further clarification on Tuesday during the meetings, which we hear got a little testy, and it doesn’t sound like he was very satisfied with what he heard."

According to further reports, Carolina Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky had a spicy disagreement with Gary Bettman himself. This time in regards to the job that George Parros, the head of the NHL DoPS is doing with his department.

This comes after recent criticisms that have been levied following the five-game suspension handed to Anaheim Ducks defenceman Radko Gudas for his knee-on-knee hit to Toronto Maple Leafs' star Auston Matthews, ending his season early with the play.

Bowman gives positive injury update for Leon Draisaitl

Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman gave a positive injury update for Oilers star Leon Draisaitl while attending the GM meetings this week.

Bowman said that he expects Draisaitl will return to the Oilers' lineup ahead of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The 30 year old star was injured earlier this week in a game against the Nashville Predators on a play against Ozzy Wiesblatt.

Thankfully, despite the injury to their star, the Oilers have handled his absence well, especially with Draisaitl's common linemate Vasily Podkolzin continuing to impress.

The Oilers as a whole have won two straight with a 3-1 win against the Predators followed by a 5-3 win against the San Jose Sharks. They return to action Thursday night as they face the Florida Panthers.

Knowing Draisaitl is expected to be back by the playoffs will allow all Oilers fans to breathe a collective sigh of relief.