As a proud Canadian, my support for Team Canada is unwavering. The commitment of athletes who represent the nation on the international stage commands deep respect. However, that national pride does not preclude strong opinions about roster selections, particularly from an Edmonton Oilers perspective.
The recent announcement of Team Canada's roster for the upcoming tournament has sparked debate, especially concerning the omission of Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard. While disappointing for the player, this decision might ultimately serve the best interests of both Bouchard and his NHL club.
Pacific Division Parity and Oilers' Standing
Despite a points percentage of just .548, the Edmonton Oilers lead the Pacific Division with 46 points. This tenuous hold on first place highlights the remarkable mediocrity of the division. As of the end of play on Saturday, January 3rd, 2026, a telling statistic emerged: all eight teams in the Pacific Division possessed a negative goal differential.
Oilers Prospects and Olympic Berths
While one Oiler was left off Team Canada, others earned prestigious international call-ups. Oilers prospect Josh Samanski has secured a spot on the German National Team for the Olympics, where he will join teammate Leon Draisaitl. The 23-year-old centerman earned this honor following an excellent campaign with the AHL's Bakersfield Condors, posting 24 points (5 goals, 19 assists) in 30 games.
The sentiment around veteran presence was also noted regarding Swedish defenseman Mattias Ekholm. At 35, Ekholm remains a top-pairing defender, and his passion and pride are seen as invaluable assets for international play. With the NHL's return to the Olympic stage, the desire to compete is a powerful motivator that often fuels an athlete's performance.
McDavid's Historic Point Streak
In the Oilers' recent outing, Connor McDavid was a singular bright spot. Recording a goal and an assist, he extended his point streak to an impressive 15 games. This marks the sixteenth time in his career McDavid has achieved a point streak of 15 or more games. In NHL history, only Mario Lemieux (7 such streaks) and Wayne Gretzky (19) have accomplished this feat more often, leaving open the possibility for McDavid to pass Lemieux this season.
Team Performance and Roster Moves
The Oilers' struggles in a recent game were partly attributed to poor puck management exiting their own zone. Analysts suggest that quicker, crisper breakouts would significantly impact results. The anticipated return of a healthy Jake Walman is expected to bolster Edmonton's transition game.
On the trade front, there is growing expectation that the Oilers will find a new home for forward Andrew Mangiapane. The signing has not yielded the intended results in Edmonton. The club is reportedly willing to ask for minimal return in a trade, hoping a team will assume his entire $3.6 million salary cap hit. The Anaheim Ducks are rumored to be one potential interested partner, which could see Mangiapane remain within the Pacific Division.
In goal, Connor Ingram is afforded some grace after a rough start against Boston, having performed well in his three prior appearances. However, Calvin Pickard's strong performances, including giving the team a chance against Philadelphia, underscore his value. With uncertainty surrounding the injury status of starter Tristan Jarry, the Oilers cannot afford to risk losing either backup goaltender on waivers.
The analysis concludes that while Evan Bouchard's absence from Team Canada is a point of contention, the extended rest and focus on the Oilers' playoff push could prove beneficial for all parties involved in the long run.
