Report: Oilers expected to send Leon Draisaitl back to junior

Leon Draisaitl's forgettable rookie season with the Edmonton Oilers appears to be coming to a close. 

Draisaitl will reportedly be loaned to the Kelowna Rockets as early as this weekend as the Western Hockey League power continues working toward acquiring his rights from the Prince Albert Raiders, according to Sportsnet's Mark Spector. 

Earlier this month, the Oilers declined the opportunity to loan Draisaitl back to Germany to participate in the ongoing World Junior Hockey Championship.

Although the Oilers have burned an entry-level season, they'll retain a year of control by sending Draisaitl down before reaching the 40-game mark.