NHL Analyst Highlights Key Trade Market Targets for Edmonton Oilers' Roster Upgrades

The Edmonton Oilers have been in many rumours this off-season, and even after adding key pieces, Allan Mitchell has revealed what moves they still need to make.

After falling short in the Stanley Cup Finals again in 2025, the Edmonton Oilers have undergone plenty of changes this off-season, with the additions of Andrew Mangiapane and Isaac Howard making up for the losses of Evander Kane and Corey Perry.

Still, there is plenty more work to do around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, with the team clearly hedging their bets on the youth of Vasily Podkolzin, Isaac Howard and Matthew Savoie.

Could more moves be coming for the Oilers?

While many believe that the Oilers lack of assets and salary cap space will limit them this off-season, there's still some moves to be made, with Allan Mitchell of The Athletic pointing out several key moves that they could potentially look into to upgrade their roster.

The club will still need to use the trade market for a goalie upgrade (if required) and would do well to grab the next Brad Marchand at the 2026 trade deadline (if there is a player like him available), but there is a need for youthful experience of the kind provided by Vasily Podkolzin last season.

Where do the Oilers need to upgrade most?

Unsurprisingly, Mitchell notes that the team need to keep an eye on the goalie market for an upgrade, also predicting that they could be in play for a Brad Marchand style pickup if one is available in 2026.

Since their Stanley Cup Playoffs failures, fans have constantly been bringing up the need to make a change in net, but thus far, they've stayed put with Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, with many, including Mitchell believing there is a need for an upgrade.