With the Olympic break just around the corner and the Edmonton Oilers jockeying for position atop the Pacific Division, the front office is expected to be active as the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline approaches. The team recently strung together its first three-game win streak of the season-punctuated by a gritty comeback against the Sharks-but followed that momentum with a tough blowout loss to the Minnesota Wild. It’s been that kind of season for Edmonton: flashes of brilliance, followed by moments that raise more questions than answers.
Let’s break down three key developments surrounding the Oilers right now, including the emergence of a young forward, a roster shakeup in net, and some rumblings that a trade-or two-might be on the horizon.
Josh Samanski: First NHL Point, and Earning Trust
Josh Samanski is making the most of his opportunity. The 23-year-old forward, called up from the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors, notched his first NHL point in a recent game-a secondary assist on a goal by Jack Roslovic. Sure, it came in the closing moments of a lopsided loss, but for a rookie trying to carve out a role, every shift counts.
Samanski has shown a solid two-way game in limited minutes and has already earned the trust of head coach Kris Knoblauch, who’s been using him as the team’s third-line center. That’s no small feat for a player still getting his feet wet at the NHL level. And with both Samanski and Leon Draisaitl set to represent Germany at the upcoming Olympics, the young forward is gaining valuable experience on multiple fronts.
Whether he sticks with the big club after the break or returns to Bakersfield for more seasoning remains to be seen. But for now, Samanski is playing responsible hockey, and that’s exactly what the Oilers need from their depth forwards.
Calvin Pickard Hits Waivers
The Oilers made a notable roster move over the weekend, placing veteran goaltender Calvin Pickard on waivers. While the team hasn’t officially stated their intentions, the likely plan is to assign him back to the Condors if he clears.
Pickard, 33, has had an up-and-down season in limited action. Through 16 games, he’s posted a 3.68 goals-against average and a .871 save percentage-numbers that don’t inspire a ton of confidence. His -3.5 goals-saved-above-expected (GSAX) metric paints a similar picture: he’s struggled to provide consistent backup support behind the Oilers' starter.
There’s a chance another team looking to shore up its goaltending depth could take a flyer on him. But if he clears, it gives Edmonton some flexibility to recalibrate their goalie situation heading into the stretch run.
Trade Winds Blowing?
With the deadline looming and the standings tightening, trade chatter is starting to heat up in Edmonton. According to reports circulating on social media, the Oilers could be closing in on one or two trades, possibly as soon as this week.
While no specific names or deals have been confirmed, there’s been some buzz around a potential transaction involving the Toronto Maple Leafs. That’s one to keep an eye on, especially considering both teams are looking to fine-tune their rosters ahead of the postseason push.
One name that’s surfaced in the rumor mill is Andrew Mangiapane. The forward has been a healthy scratch recently and appears to have lost his regular spot in the lineup. A move involving him feels increasingly likely, and if the Oilers are indeed looking to add, he could be a key piece in a trade package.
Final Thoughts
The Oilers are in a pivotal stretch of their season. They’ve shown they can hang with the best in the West, but inconsistency continues to be a hurdle. With the Olympic break offering a brief pause, the front office has a window to make some meaningful adjustments.
Whether it’s giving young players like Samanski a longer look, reshuffling the goaltending depth, or pulling the trigger on a trade, Edmonton is clearly not standing pat. The next few days could be telling-not just for the rest of the regular season, but for how far this team can go come playoff time.