Oilers Enter Olympic Break with Trade Talk, Olympic Pride, and Coaching Questions
The Olympic break has hit, and while the NHL hits pause, the Edmonton Oilers are still very much a team in motion-just not on the ice. With the league’s roster freeze in effect, no moves can be made for now, but that hasn’t stopped the rumor mill from churning. Between trade buzz around Andrew Mangiapane, three players heading to represent their countries in Italy, and whispers of Paul Coffey possibly returning to the bench, there’s no shortage of storylines surrounding this team.
Mangiapane’s Fit in Edmonton in Question
Let’s start with Andrew Mangiapane. The 29-year-old forward, who signed with Edmonton in the offseason, hasn’t quite found his groove in Kris Knoblauch’s system. Through 49 games, Mangiapane has posted six goals and six assists-solid depth numbers, but far from what the Oilers likely envisioned when they brought him in.
According to Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts podcast, the writing may already be on the wall. “The Oilers need to move Andrew Mangiapane,” Friedman said. “It’s clear he’s not a fit for Kris Knoblauch, and there’s no point in pretending otherwise.”
That’s a direct statement, and it echoes what many around the league have been sensing. Sometimes, the fit just isn’t there.
Mangiapane is a skilled, high-motor winger, but if he’s not meshing with the system or contributing in the way Edmonton needs, then a move makes sense for both sides. With the trade deadline looming, it feels less like a matter of if and more like when.
Oilers Well-Represented at the Olympics
While the NHL takes a break, the Oilers will still be well-represented on the international stage. Three players are headed to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy-Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, as expected, and a rising name in Josh Samanski.
McDavid will wear an ‘A’ for Team Canada, while Draisaitl has been named captain of Team Germany. That’s a major honor for both, but especially for Draisaitl, who continues to be the heartbeat of German hockey. The two have been tearing it up this season-McDavid with 96 points in 58 games, Draisaitl with 80 in 55-and now they’ll get a chance to showcase their brilliance on the world stage.
Then there’s Samanski, a 23-year-old forward who’s been making noise in the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors. He’s tallied seven goals and 21 assists in 39 games, and while his NHL time has been limited to just five games (with two assists), he’s shown enough to earn a spot on Germany’s Olympic roster. It’s a big opportunity for a young player looking to break through, and a strong showing in Italy could boost his stock heading into the stretch run of the NHL season.
The Olympic tournament kicks off Wednesday, and all eyes will be on McDavid and Draisaitl as they lead their respective nations.
Coaching Staff Speculation Swirls
While the Oilers aren’t making any immediate changes behind the bench, there’s been some chatter about potential shifts in the coaching staff-specifically, whether Paul Coffey could return to a more prominent role.
The speculation gained traction after Draisaitl’s blunt post-game comments calling out the team’s overall effort. That kind of leadership moment often sparks internal conversations, and according to Friedman, it’s led to some local buzz about Coffey possibly stepping back into a more active coaching role.
Coffey, a Hall of Famer and franchise legend, has been around the team in various capacities before. His presence brings a certain edge and gravitas-something this Oilers group might benefit from during the stretch run.
That said, there’s been no confirmation that any changes are imminent. Bob Stauffer has already shot down the idea of head coach Kris Knoblauch being on the hot seat, and any significant shake-ups likely wouldn’t come until the offseason-if at all.
Still, this is Edmonton, and when expectations are high, the pressure is never far behind. Whether Coffey returns or not, the team’s performance coming out of the Olympic break will speak louder than any rumors.
The Oilers may be on pause, but the storylines are very much alive. Mangiapane’s future is uncertain, three key players are set to represent their countries on the Olympic stage, and the coaching situation remains one to watch. Once the break ends, the real sprint begins-and Edmonton will have some big decisions to make.