As the Edmonton Oilers settle in for an eight-game homestand, the team finds itself at a pivotal stretch of the season - one marked by both adversity and opportunity. With the trade deadline looming and a star player temporarily away, the next week could help define the Oilers’ trajectory heading into the second half of the season.
Leon Draisaitl’s Absence and the Team’s Response
The biggest headline in Edmonton this week is the absence of Leon Draisaitl. The star forward has taken a leave of absence to attend to a family illness in Germany, and while his presence on the ice is irreplaceable, the Oilers responded with a statement win over the Vancouver Canucks - a 6-0 shutout that showcased the team’s depth.
Jack Roslovic and Kasperi Kapanen were among those who stepped up, providing the kind of secondary scoring that Edmonton has been searching for all season. It’s never easy to fill the skates of a player like Draisaitl, but the Oilers didn’t just survive without him - they thrived, at least for one night. The expectation is that Draisaitl will rejoin the team later in the week, but in the meantime, his absence has become a rallying point.
Tristan Jarry Settles In
When the Oilers acquired Tristan Jarry from Pittsburgh earlier this season, the move sent a clear message: they were looking for more consistency between the pipes. Jarry delivered in a big way against Vancouver, stopping all 31 shots he faced to record his first shutout as an Oiler.
With Stuart Skinner moving the other way in that trade, Edmonton placed a lot of faith in Jarry to stabilize the crease. His performance against the Canucks wasn’t just a confidence boost for the goalie - it was a sign that the Oilers’ defensive structure is starting to click.
Jarry looked composed, tracking pucks well and controlling rebounds. If he can build on this outing, Edmonton may have found the steady presence in goal they've been missing.
Trade Deadline Buzz Begins
As the March 6 trade deadline inches closer, the Oilers are starting to show up in more and more conversations around the league. The front office appears to be exploring ways to bolster the roster, particularly in the bottom six and on the blue line.
One name generating buzz is backup goaltender Calvin Pickard. With other teams - like the Rangers and Flyers - dealing with injuries in net, Pickard’s value is reportedly on the rise. Edmonton may look to capitalize on that interest, especially if Jarry continues to carry the load.
There’s also talk of Andrew Mangiapane being part of a potential trade package. Whether it’s to clear cap space or acquire future assets, his name has surfaced in multiple scenarios.
As for targets, the Oilers are reportedly eyeing a third-line center, with Carolina’s Jesperi Kotkaniemi among the names floated. They’re also believed to be in the market for defensive depth, which makes sense given the grind of the season and the need for reliable minutes beyond the top pairings.
Connor McDavid: Still the Engine
While the supporting cast has had its moments, this is still Connor McDavid’s team - and he’s playing like it. McDavid just saw a 20-game point streak come to an end, but his production remains elite. He continues to drive the NHL’s most dangerous power play, which is clicking at around 33%.
McDavid’s ability to control the tempo, create space, and elevate those around him is unmatched. Whether it’s five-on-five or with the man advantage, he’s the heartbeat of this roster - and he’s playing at a level that keeps his name firmly in the Hart Trophy conversation.
The Week Ahead: Four at Home
The Oilers’ homestand continues with four games over the next week, all at Rogers Place:
- Sunday, Jan. 18 - vs. St.
Louis Blues (8:00 PM ET)
- Tuesday, Jan. 20 - vs.
New Jersey Devils (10:00 PM ET)
- Thursday, Jan. 22 - vs.
Pittsburgh Penguins (9:00 PM ET)
- Saturday, Jan. 24 - vs.
Washington Capitals (10:00 PM ET)
This stretch offers a mix of challenges - from the physicality of the Blues to the speed of the Devils and the veteran savvy of the Penguins and Capitals. With Draisaitl expected back soon and Jarry finding his rhythm, this homestand could be the launching pad for a second-half surge.
If the Oilers can keep stacking wins, stay healthy, and maybe add a piece or two before the deadline, they’ll be in a strong position to make noise come spring. For now, all eyes are on how they handle business at home - and whether this group can keep rising to the moment.