As the Olympic break concludes, the Edmonton Oilers are eager to shake off a three-game losing streak and regain their momentum in the Pacific Division, where they currently hold a 28-22-8 record. Let's dive into the key storylines as NHL action resumes.
Paul Coffey's Return to the Bench
In a significant coaching move, the Oilers have brought back Hall of Famer Paul Coffey to join Kris Knoblauch’s staff, focusing on the defense. Coffey's expertise is expected to address the team's struggles with high-danger chances and improve a penalty kill that’s been slipping. His presence could be the spark the blueline needs.
Trade Deadline Buzz
With the trade deadline looming on March 6, the rumor mill is buzzing with potential veteran acquisitions. GM Stan Bowman is reportedly eyeing Nashville's Ryan O’Reilly to bolster the third-line center position and inject some championship experience into the lineup.
There’s also talk of bringing in Philadelphia's Rasmus Ristolainen to pair with Darnell Nurse, aiming to solidify the second defensive pairing. Columbus Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner is another name on the radar, targeting depth scoring for the Oilers' top nine.
Salary Cap Maneuvering
As Adam Henrique prepares to come off long-term injured reserve, the Oilers are engaging in some "cap gymnastics." Andrew Mangiapane's name has surfaced in trade discussions as a potential cap casualty.
Meanwhile, prospect Matt Savoie and goalie Calvin Pickard have been reassigned to the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL, a strategic move to maximize daily cap space.
Upcoming Schedule
The Oilers are set to hit the road with the following matchups:
- Feb 25, 2026, at Anaheim Ducks, 8:30 PM MT, Honda Center
- Feb 27, 2026, at Los Angeles Kings, 8:00 PM MT, Crypto.com Arena
- Feb 28, 2026, at San Jose Sharks, 8:00 PM MT, SAP Center
They'll return home for:
- Mar 3, 2026, vs. Ottawa Senators, 7:00 PM MT, Rogers Place
- Mar 6, 2026, vs. Carolina Hurricanes, 7:00 PM MT, Rogers Place
With these developments, the Oilers are poised to make strategic moves both on and off the ice. Fans will be watching closely as the team navigates this crucial stretch of the season.