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Oilers News & Rumours: McDavid, McMann Trade Speculation, Draisaitl

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Jesse Courville-Lynch | Last updated Feb 17, 2026 11:59 AM ET

The Edmonton Oilers seem poised to make another deep playoff run, and while teams are on a break with the Olympics underway, the 2026 Trade Deadline is approaching rapidly, and buyers will be looking to make a splash. The Oilers are expected to be aggressive when the roster freeze is lifted, and time will tell what they end up adding.

In this edition of Oilers News & Rumours, we take a look at Connor McDavid’s success with Team Canada at the Olympics, some speculation surrounding Bobby McMann as a potential trade target, and Leon Draisaitl’s run with Team Germany.

McDavid Impressing on World Stage

The best player in the world continues to find a way to elevate his game and be even more impressive. Team Canada’s Connor McDavid has been dominant at the Olympics, continuing to showcase himself as he tries to win his first Olympic gold.

In just three games, Connor McDavid has:

-Set a new benchmark for most points through the first three games of an Olympics with NHL players
-Passed Jonathan Toews for the most points by a men's @TeamCanada skater at an Olympic tournament with NHL players

Oh, and he's just… pic.twitter.com/TMu5k2yqyr
— NHL (@NHL) February 15, 2026

McDavid is just three points away from breaking the record for most points in an Olympic men’s hockey tournament with NHL players.

Bobby McMann Remains Potential Trade Target

The Oilers continue to be linked to Toronto Maple Leafs’ forward Bobby McMann, even though other analysts have tried to shut that idea down.

In a recent article, Chris Johnston admits he still believes McMann is a strong fit for the Oilers.

“The Oilers are all-in to chase a championship, but they’re operating with limited cap flexibility while sizing up new pieces. Enter McMann. There won’t be another 20-plus goal man available at this deadline who commands a cap hit below the league’s minimum salary. But the Leafs can get him there with full retention. There’s going to be a premium charged for doing that, but part of being all-in is doing whatever it takes to increase your odds of winning.”

source – ‘NHL trade matchmaker: Predicting where top targets go by the deadline, part 5’ – Chris Johnston – The Athletic – 02-11-2026

McMann has a $1.35 million cap hit that could drop to $675,000 with full retention.

Draisaitl Playing Well With Team Germany, Battles Tkachuk’s

Leon Draisaitl has played well with Team Germany, and came out of the gates strong. Draisaitl scored 23 seconds into the game for Germany against Denmark, the 3rd fastest goal in NHL-participated Olympics, helping them pick up a 3-1 victory.

Draisaitl helped lead them to a 1-0-0-2 record, setting them up for a matchup against France in the qualification play-off.

Draisaitl also made waves across social media, getting into a bit of a battle with the Tkachuk brothers, Brady and Matthew, in Germany’s matchup against Team USA.

Leon Draisaitl was chirping back and forth with the Tkachuk bros pic.twitter.com/XQ3qOurQ2c
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) February 15, 2026

As the Olympics move along, time will tell if Draisaitl and Josh Samanski, the other member of the Oilers who is on Team Germany, can make a Cinderella run and push for a medal, while McDavid looks to try and lead Team Canada to a gold medal.

The Oilers are back in action in eight days, on Wednesday (Feb. 25), when they face off against the Anaheim Ducks.

As the 2025-26 season moves along, be sure to continue following The Hockey Writers as your source for news, updates, and more from around the NHL and the hockey world.