With the NHL on pause for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, the trade winds haven’t stopped swirling-especially in Edmonton, where the Oilers are very much in the thick of things. The team made headlines before the Olympic break by pulling off a blockbuster deal to land Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers. But it sounds like they might not be done just yet.
Los Angeles Kings GM Ken Holland, speaking during TNT’s Olympic coverage, dropped a noteworthy nugget that could have ripple effects across the league once the trade freeze lifts. He mentioned forward Warren Foegele-currently a healthy scratch-as a player he’s likely to move. That comment didn’t go unnoticed, especially in Edmonton, where Foegele has some history.
A Familiar Face Could Be the Right Fit
If Oilers GM Stan Bowman is looking to add a reliable, cost-effective forward to round out the team’s top nine, revisiting Foegele makes a lot of sense. There’s already built-in chemistry with the core group and familiarity with head coach Kris Knoblauch, who’s been under some scrutiny lately for leaning too heavily on his top players. Foegele’s return could help alleviate some of that pressure by giving the coaching staff a trustworthy option who knows the system.
Financially, the move is feasible. Foegele carries a $3.5 million cap hit through next season-just $100,000 less than Andrew Mangiapane, a player whose name has surfaced in trade rumors. If the Oilers decide to ship out Mangiapane, bringing in Foegele would be a relatively seamless swap from a cap perspective.
And the acquisition cost? Likely manageable.
With Foegele sitting as a healthy scratch in L.A., the Kings don’t have much leverage. That gives Edmonton a chance to buy low on a player who, not long ago, was a key contributor.
Why Foegele Still Has Value
Let’s not forget what Foegele brings to the table. Sure, his numbers this season-just eight points in 43 games-don’t jump off the page.
But that’s not the whole story. His on-ice shooting percentage is sitting at just 5%, a number that suggests some bad puck luck rather than a complete drop-off in ability.
Look back to the last two seasons, and you’ll see why teams still value him. In 2023-24, he posted career highs with 41 points (20 goals, 21 assists) in a full 82-game campaign with the Oilers. That earned him a three-year deal with the Kings, and he followed it up with an even better season-46 points (24 goals, 22 assists), again playing all 82 games.
He’s got size, he plays with a physical edge, and he’s reliable in his own end. Add in his penalty-killing chops and the ability to slot in anywhere from the second to the third line, and you've got a player who checks a lot of boxes for a playoff-bound team looking to bolster its depth.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t about chasing nostalgia. It’s about finding the right piece at the right time-and Warren Foegele might be just that for the Oilers.
He knows the room, fits the style, and wouldn’t break the bank. If Edmonton is serious about making a run this spring, adding a player like Foegele could be a savvy move that pays off when the games matter most.
Once the Olympic break ends and the trade freeze lifts, keep an eye on Edmonton. With Panarin already in the fold and the team pushing hard for a deep postseason run, don’t be surprised if Foegele finds himself back in Oil Country-ready to contribute once again.