9 Takeaways on the Oilers, Team Canada, and What Comes Next
It’s that time again - the Olympic spotlight is shifting to Italy, and with it, the weight of a nation lands squarely on the shoulders of Team Canada’s men’s hockey squad. Fair or not, no other event has the power to unite or divide Canadian sports fans quite like this one. And with the roster now set, the stakes feel as high as ever.
Let’s dig into what’s happening across the hockey world, from Olympic leadership choices to the ongoing roster puzzle in Edmonton. Here are nine key takeaways:
9. McDavid, Crosby, Makar: The Leadership Trio for Team Canada
Connor McDavid will wear an “A” for Team Canada at the Olympics, sharing alternate captain duties with Cale Makar. Sidney Crosby, no surprise here, gets the “C”.
It’s a leadership group that blends generational talent with championship pedigree. McDavid and Makar bring elite skill and modern pace, while Crosby brings the experience of having done it all - and still doing it at a high level.
This trio doesn’t just look good on paper; it’s a signal that Canada is leaning into both legacy and the future.
8. Calvin Pickard Clears Waivers - A Quiet Win for Edmonton
There’s a bit of a double-edged sword when a guy like Calvin Pickard clears waivers. On one hand, you want to see a player like that get a real shot somewhere else - he’s been a pro’s pro, a steady presence.
On the other hand, keeping him in the organization gives the Oilers an important depth piece for the stretch run and into the playoffs. In a league where goaltending depth can be the difference in a series, having Pickard still in the fold is a quiet but meaningful win.
7. Janmark’s Role in Flux
Mattias Janmark’s spot in the lineup is starting to look shaky. He’s still got decent wheels - his NHL Edge data shows he’s above average in speed and burst - but the offensive production has dried up, and the penalty kill has been trending in the wrong direction.
He’s still a useful piece, no doubt, but more as a depth forward at this point. Think 13th or 14th man, ready to step in when needed but no longer a nightly lock.
6. Henrique Poised to Step In
If there’s a shake-up coming, Adam Henrique looks like the most likely candidate to take over Janmark’s role. Henrique will be full-go for the post-Olympic mini-camp, and while he doesn’t bring the same speed, he offers more offensively, is solid on the penalty kill, and brings strong faceoff work.
He’s a veteran who can help in multiple ways - exactly the kind of plug-and-play piece playoff teams covet. And with the Olympic break giving him time to rest and reset, he should be ready to contribute right away.
5. Goaltending Debate Misses the Bigger Picture
There’s been a lot of second-guessing around the Oilers’ goaltending choices, especially with Tristan Jarry and Connor Ingram under the microscope. But here’s the thing: until the defense in front of them starts limiting Grade-A chances, it’s tough to fairly evaluate either netminder.
Yes, both goalies can be better - and they’ll need to be - but if they’re constantly facing high-danger looks, it almost doesn’t matter who’s in the crease. The first fix has to be in front of them.
4. Leppanen Gets Another Year to Prove It
The Oilers have signed defenseman Arto Leppanen to a one-year, two-way extension, keeping him in the fold through 2026-27. It’s a smart move.
The Finnish blueliner took a while to adjust to the North American game - particularly on the defensive side - and just when he was finding his footing, he got hurt. But there’s real upside here.
His puck skills are rare, and that kind of talent is hard to teach. Giving him another year to develop is a low-risk bet with potentially high reward.
3. Bowman’s Bigger Decision Looms
While fans continue to debate the idea of adding another top-nine forward, the more pressing need might be on the blue line. If the Oilers want to be more than just a playoff team - if they want to make real noise out West - they need to cut down on the quality chances and goals they’re giving up.
That likely means bringing in a reliable, veteran NHL defenseman. It’s not a flashy move, but it could be the one that makes the biggest difference when the games start to matter most.
As the Olympic break approaches, the Oilers and Team Canada both find themselves at pivotal moments. For Canada, it’s about living up to the weight of gold-medal expectations. For Edmonton, it’s about tightening up, making smart roster decisions, and gearing up for a postseason run that feels like it could go either way.
The next few weeks will say a lot - about leadership, depth, and whether this group has what it takes to make a serious push.