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Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman along with Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch. Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images

Oilers are being linked to several potential deadline additions

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Jan 31, 2026 1:05 PM ET

With the trade deadline approaching on March 6, the Edmonton Oilers are once again expected to be active. Insiders believe general manager Stan Bowman is searching for another meaningful upgrade — and the list of potential targets is starting to grow.

According to David Pagnotta, Edmonton’s focus could be on finding an “Ekholm Junior” type of defender. Other insiders wonder if a forward, specifically a third-line center, is Bowman’s priority. If the team moves Ryan Nugent-Hopkins back to the third line, the Oilers might be looking for a top-line winger.

In other words, there are options.

“I still hold firm in my belief that they’re looking for another Mattias Ekholm-esque… physical presence, defensive-minded stalwart on the back end,” Pagnotta said. He also said the Vancouver Canucks spoke with Edmonton about Evander Kane, and there’s no financial fit there.

The Columbus Blue Jackets could become a major factor if they slide further out of contention. Insider Pierre LeBrun reported that Columbus is already receiving calls on several pending UFAs, including Boone Jenner, Charlie Coyle, Mason Marchment and Erik Gudbranson. Edmonton has been linked to those conversations.

David Pagnotta: Re Oilers: I still hold firm in my belief that they're looking for another Mattias Ekholm-esque, Ekholm Junior type, a physical presence...defensive minded stalwart on the back end - Inside Sports (1/28)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) January 30, 2026

“If they determine… they can’t stay in the race, the Blue Jackets could be a real factor,” LeBrun noted.

Pagnotta added that Jenner, in particular, could make sense for Edmonton if Columbus can’t get an extension done. “I could certainly see Jenner being a target for Edmonton,” he said.

Landeskog takes a big step, Point getting better, the Islanders have a busy couple of days, the Oilers and Mangiapane, and a team that could swing the trade deadline: my latest Rumblings for ⁦@TheAthletic⁩ ⤵️ https://t.co/yKo3iZHuEv
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) January 28, 2026

Andrew Mangiapane may not be part of any trade

The Oilers are looking to trade Andrew Mangiapane, though his value has dipped after a difficult season. They’d like to use his cap hit to spend elsewhere. LeBrun said some teams have even wondered if Edmonton would need to attach a sweetener just to move him.

“The problem is it’s been such a tough season for him,” LeBrun explained.

Still, Edmonton has reportedly stayed engaged in talks.

“To some degree, it’s surprising he hasn’t been traded yet… the Oilers are having ongoing conversations,” LeBrun added.

That means the Oilers might have to figure out a way to add without Mangiapane being part of the equation.

Could Toronto's chaos help Edmonton?

Another intriguing name is Leafs forward Bobby McMann. Several insiders believe he’d generate significant interest if Toronto makes him available, with Edmonton already among the teams mentioned.

As the market develops, the Oilers appear poised to strike — whether it’s a rugged defenseman, a playoff-style center or a sneaky scoring winger. The deadline chessboard is getting crowded.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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