As the NHL trade deadline approaches, the Edmonton Oilers are poised to make significant moves to bolster their roster for a championship push. According to a prominent league insider, the team is operating with an all-in mentality.
Insider Confirms Oilers' Aggressive Stance
NHL analyst Frank Seravalli, speaking on The Big Show with Rusic & Rose on January 13, 2026, left no doubt about the Oilers' intentions. He characterized this season as another "burn the boats" year for the franchise, signaling a total commitment to winning with their superstar core.
"You've got Connor McDavid doing ridiculous Connor McDavid things..." Seravalli stated. "It's a burn the boats year again. You're in the spot, you're trying to do everything you can with these guys (McDavid and Leon Draisaitl) in the heart of the prime of their career."
Seravalli expressed zero doubt that Edmonton's management will be aggressively pursuing additions. The primary targets are additional depth scoring help and the right fit on defence. He noted that the recent acquisition of defenceman Spencer Stastney might address part of the blue-line need, but further reinforcements are expected.
Addressing the Critical Needs
While the Oilers have stabilized their position in the standings, Seravalli believes they have not yet created enough separation from their competitors. "I think the Oilers are in a spot where they've got to do everything to keep that pedal to the floor," he emphasized.
Analysis of the roster points to a specific, pressing need: a third-line centre. The ideal candidate would possess defensive reliability and enough speed to complement offensive-minded wingers. Current options have shown limitations:
- Injured veteran Adam Henrique has been tried but may lack the necessary foot speed for the role.
- The team appears reluctant to move Ryan Nugent-Hopkins from the thriving top line where he has developed strong chemistry with Connor McDavid and Zach Hyman.
- Winger Jack Roslovic is an offensive threat but is not considered a checking centre.
One alternative strategy would be to acquire a top-six winger, thereby freeing Nugent-Hopkins to slide down to the third-line centre role. However, finding a new winger who can instantly mesh with elite talents like McDavid or Draisaitl is a noted gamble, as past experiments with players like Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson have demonstrated.
Building on Existing Strengths
The Oilers have found success with their current line combinations. McDavid's line excels with a cycle game high in the zone, facilitated by defencemen Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm.
Meanwhile, a formidable second unit is emerging. The line centred by Leon Draisaitl, with Vasily Podkolzin and Kasperi Kapanen on the wings, is developing a distinct identity. This trio of big, fast, and tough players is establishing a punishing, puck-possession style focused on cycling down low along the end boards. This dynamic is creating a brutal experience for opposing defenders and showcases how players elevate their game when striving to complement a superstar like Draisaitl.
The consensus from insiders and analysts is clear: the time for the Edmonton Oilers to win is now. With the core of McDavid and Draisaitl in their prime, the organization is expected to be one of the most active and aggressive teams heading into the 2026 NHL trade deadline.
