The Edmonton Oilers are making headlines on multiple fronts this summer. Keeping track of all the news and speculation can be a full-time job for any fan.
From a controversial Evander Kane trade that reportedly ruffled feathers inside the organization, to ongoing speculation about Connor McDavid’s long-term future, potential big-name contract extensions, and intriguing trade targets in net, there is no shortage of stuff to talk about.
With insiders dropping hints and management defending key players, it can get complicated to uncover what might actually be going on.
Here’s a breakdown in question and answer form to offer up a summary of the latest rumblings surrounding the team.
Q: Are People Upset About the Evander Kane trade?
A: According to the 2 Mutts Podcast, former associate coach Paul Coffey expressed disappointment over Kane’s move to the Canucks. Coffey reportedly valued Kane’s year-round presence in Edmonton, strong locker room relationships, and community involvement. While Coffey has returned to his role as Advisor to owner Daryl Katz, reports suggest he may have more influence on player movement going forward.
Could Recently Traded Forward Return to Oilers in 2026?
What are the odds that Evander Kane, who was recently traded by the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers">Edmonton Oilers</a> to the Vancouver Canucks, could return to Edmonton next season? Apparently, pretty good, according to one source.
Our sense is not to read too much into this report. While Coffey is an important voice inside the organization, he understands the business of hockey, and any frustration he likely had (if at all) is no different than any well-liked and appreciated player leaving a team.
Q: Could Connor McDavid Actually be Traded?
A: There is talk from analysts and fans outside the organization that Connor McDavid is destined to wind up somewhere other than Edmonton. That's a narrative that will continue to exist until McDavid signs long-term, should he choose to do so. While highly unlikely he ever gets traded, two scenarios could force Edmonton’s hand:
- McDavid signals dissatisfaction with the team’s direction.
- The Oilers fail to win a Stanley Cup within a reasonable window (around four years).In either case, GM Stan Bowman would need to explore a blockbuster trade to maximize return.
Q: Does McDavid’s Friendship with Leon Draisaitl Guarantee He’ll Stay?
A: Not necessarily. McDavid and Draisaitl’s close bond—even vacationing together on Draisaitl’s honeymoon—suggests strong ties to Edmonton. And, yes, we do believe that their closer relationship will have a lot to do with McDavid's decision. Smart money suggests Draisiatl didn't commit to eight more years without at least some assurance that McDavid would be by his side during that contract period.
But McDavid’s decision will ultimately hinge on the Oilers’ ability to address “fundamental issues” and remain Cup contenders. If they regress badly, it's not unfair to assume McDavid will grow frustrated.
What Does McDavid Being on Draisaitl's Honeymoon Mean? - Community Post
<a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/how-many-players-score-20-goals-for-the-oilers-this-season">Leon Draisaitl</a> is on his honeymoon wit his new wife. Interestingly, <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/latest-news/connor-mcdavid-is-pissed-off-now-watch-out-nhl">Connor McDavid</a> and his wife is with them.
Q: Are the Oilers Targeting a New Goaltender?
A: Insider Bob Stauffer has been among many analysts who have hinted the team might pursue a goalie this season. It may not happen this summer as the team hired a new goalie coach, but it's not impossible.
Names like Jeremy Swayman, Arturs Silovs, John Gibson, and others have been linked to the Oilers. Stauffer wonders if something is cooking with a netminder who has organizational ties. Most believe he meant Detroit’s Sebastian Cossa, a former Oil King.
Some wonder if Ilya Samsonov might be a PTO option for Edmonton.
The key here is that it appears the Oilers will be running with the same tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard to start the season. The hiring of a new goalie coach is giving each a little more time to show they offer the Oilers a bit more consistency. It's also important to note that Edmonton has one of the better tandems in the NHL when it comes to contract value. The combined salary of Skinner and Pickard is only $3.6 million.
There is also no truth to speculation that the Oilers have given any serious thought to signing Carter Hart, who at this point, is still ineligible to play in the NHL.
Q: Why Did Stan Bowman Defend Evan Bouchard?
A: Bowman said criticism of Bouchard is overblown, noting his durability, poise, and importance to the team alongside McDavid and Draisaitl. He believes Bouchard’s new four-year, $10.5M AAV deal is money well spent.
That's not the consensus among all analysts or fans. James Wisniewski recently argued, "You can't win with that guy" on a podcast, and some fans believe the Oilers overpaid for a "power play guy." Bouchard has proven to be more than that, and there may be no changing detractors' minds at this point.
Q: Is an Eight-Year Deal for Jake Walman Possible?
A: Yes. Stauffer and Bowman both indicated talks are underway with the defenseman, and an eight-year extension could give Edmonton cost certainty and Walman long-term security. The bonus for the Oilers is knowing they've locked in a key top-four guy for the long term at a value that gets better over time. The bonus for Walman doing it now is that the changing CBA will limit the amount of term he can get starting next season.
If he waits, he could potentially be looking at a maximum of seven years in Edmonton and six years with another franchise. He also runs the risk of not having the best season and his value going down.
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