Oilers Stars Shine on Olympic Ice While Key Teammates Rest Up for NHL Push
The Edmonton Oilers may be on pause during the NHL’s Olympic break, but their presence is being felt in a big way over in Milan. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl front and center at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Edmonton’s two superstars are not just representing their countries-they’re shaping the narrative of the tournament.
Connor McDavid: Leading Canada and Leading the Tournament
Connor McDavid is wearing the “A” on his chest for Team Canada, but make no mistake-he’s playing like the undisputed leader. Through three preliminary games, McDavid leads the tournament in scoring with nine points. Canada cruised through the group stage undefeated, and McDavid was at the heart of it all.
His three-point night against Czechia was vintage McDavid-explosive speed, elite vision, and a finish that made it look easy. He followed that up by torching France in a 10-2 blowout, continuing to center Canada’s top line with the kind of dominance that makes you wonder if anyone can slow him down.
But beyond the stats, there’s a symbolic moment that’s turning heads: Sidney Crosby, the longtime face of Canadian hockey, stepping aside to let McDavid take the final spot onto the ice. It’s a small gesture, but one that speaks volumes. This Olympic tournament is starting to feel like the official passing of the torch from one generational great to the next.
Leon Draisaitl: Carrying Germany and Representing Edmonton
While McDavid is leading a juggernaut, Leon Draisaitl is in a very different situation-trying to will Germany through a tough group stage. Draisaitl, who captained his country and carried the flag at the Opening Ceremony, has had to battle through losses to the United States and Latvia.
Now, it’s do-or-die for Team Germany. On Tuesday, they’ll face France in a qualification game with elimination on the line.
A win, and Germany moves on to face Slovakia in the quarterfinals. A loss, and Draisaitl’s Olympics come to an early end.
One intriguing subplot for Oilers fans? Draisaitl is playing alongside Josh Samanski, an Edmonton prospect who’s getting valuable experience on the international stage. It’s a small sample size, but the chemistry between the two could be a glimpse of something special down the road.
The Oilers’ Rested Core: A Hidden Advantage
While McDavid and Draisaitl are logging big minutes and carrying the weight of their nations, several key Oilers are back in Edmonton, quietly getting a much-needed breather.
Zach Hyman and Evan Bouchard, both having standout seasons, were left off Team Canada’s roster-decisions that raised eyebrows given their offensive production. On the blue line, Mattias Ekholm was left off Team Sweden in favor of younger talent, including former Oiler Philip Broberg.
For the Oilers, this could turn into a blessing. Hyman, Bouchard, and Ekholm now have two full weeks to rest, recover from nagging injuries, and gear up for the playoff push. With the NHL season resuming on February 25, that rest could prove to be a difference-maker down the stretch-especially when other top players are returning from the grind of Olympic hockey.
What’s Next on the Olympic Schedule
Here’s how the next few days are shaping up for Oilers fans watching the Olympics:
- Tuesday, Feb 17: Germany vs. France (6:10 AM ET) - Draisaitl and Samanski fight for survival in the qualification round.
- Wednesday, Feb 18: Quarterfinals - Canada will face the winner of Czechia vs. Denmark.
If Germany advances, they’ll take on Slovakia.
- Friday, Feb 20: Semifinals - A potential Canada vs.
Sweden clash looms.
- Saturday, Feb 21: Bronze Medal Game (2:40 PM ET)
- Sunday, Feb 22: Gold Medal Game (8:10 AM ET)
As the Olympics roll on, Edmonton fans have plenty to watch-and plenty to look forward to. Whether it’s McDavid chasing gold, Draisaitl battling for survival, or the rest of the roster resting up for the NHL grind, the Oilers are positioned to come out of the break with momentum on multiple fronts.