With the NHL trade deadline set for March 6th, 2026, the Edmonton Oilers are facing a crucial juncture. After back-to-back heartbreaks in the Stanley Cup Finals, General Manager Stan Bowman is under pressure to make impactful moves to bolster the roster for another deep playoff run.

Oilers' Needs

Several areas need addressing for the Oilers to solidify their contender status. According to The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta, a bottom-six forward and a shutdown defenseman are at the top of Bowman's wishlist. More specifically, the Oilers need a top-nine winger who can play in the top six, a third-line right-shot center, and a right-shot defenseman. The bottom six has struggled to provide consistent offense, making the acquisition of a reliable third-line center a priority.

Potential Targets

Several players have been linked to the Oilers as potential trade targets.

• Ryan O'Reilly (Nashville Predators): O'Reilly has been identified as a "perfect fit" for the Oilers' third-line center position by The Athletic's Allen Mitchell. He is a strong two-way player, excels in faceoffs, and has a manageable $4.5 million cap hit. O'Reilly also brings Stanley Cup-winning experience.
• Boone Jenner (Columbus Blue Jackets): Jenner is another center the Oilers could target. He can play both center and wing and provides grit and leadership.
• Bobby McMann (Toronto Maple Leafs): McMann is a versatile forward who can play in the top nine and has experience in the top six. He is a physical, speedy player with an affordable $1.35 million cap hit.
• Other Potential Targets: Other players who could be on the Oilers' radar include Charlie Coyle (Columbus Blue Jackets), Ryan Strome (Anaheim Ducks) and defensemen like Tyler Tucker, Logan Stanley, Luke Schenn, Jamie Oleksiak and Connor Murphy.

Trade Scenarios and Considerations

The Oilers have approximately $2.8 million in cap space but will be just under $2 million over the cap once Adam Henrique is activated from long-term injured reserve. Therefore, moving out salary will be necessary to make any significant additions. Andrew Mangiapane, with a $3.6 million cap hit, is a potential candidate to be moved.

The Oilers also need to consider their trade assets. They do not have a first-round pick in 2026 due to a previous trade. However, they have their 2027 and 2028 first-round picks and second-round picks for the next three seasons. Ike Howard and Quinn Hutson are likely considered untouchable prospects, while Roby Järventie, Viljami Marjala, Beau Akey, David Lewandowski, and Tommy Lafrenière could be trade options.

Potential "Big Swing"

Some analysts believe the Oilers need to make a "big swing" to improve their roster. Justin Bourne of Sportsnet suggests the Oilers need to shore up their defense and believes they will be aggressive at the deadline. If the Oilers are going to take a big swing, it needs to be for someone proven, who fits the window age-wise, and who doesn't hamstring their cap capabilities. A legitimate top-six winger would provide Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl with a proven player and deepen the entire team.

Flexibility is Key

The Oilers have the flexibility to target either a winger or a center. Adding a winger would allow Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to move to the third-line center position. Conversely, acquiring a center would allow Nugent-Hopkins to remain on the wing, where he has thrived with Connor McDavid.

With the Olympic break concluding on February 22nd and the trade deadline looming on March 6th, the Oilers have a short window to make the necessary moves. How aggressive Bowman will be and what players he ultimately acquires remains to be seen, but the Oilers' actions in the coming weeks will likely determine their fate in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.