Oilers Urged to Trade for 'Next Brad Marchand' Before Deadline

"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)," Mitchell wrote.

Oilers' Roster Lacked Punch After Losing Zach Hyman

Mitchell noted that last year’s loss of Zach Hyman, who scored 44 points in the regular season and added 11 in the playoffs, for the finals left a void in both skill and edge in the Oilers' lineup.

"Losing Zach Hyman during the series against the Dallas Stars was a major turning point for the Oilers," Mitchell wrote. "His relentless pursuit of the puck, along with a steady barrage of hits, left opponents frustrated by his non-stop motor." Mitchell also added that Edmonton must add grit and scoring, targeting a high-impact rental at the deadline.

Based on what the injury revealed about the Oilers, Mitchell believes that Edmonton’s seven-game loss to Florida in June underscored a gap in grit and staying power.

"The Oilers have traded away young assets and acquired older players for a decade, flying by the 'in their prime' talents like (Panthers' Sam) Bennett, (Sam) Reinhart and (Matthew) Tkachuk," Mitchell wrote. "When the final whistle blew in the final last spring, it was the Oilers who looked old and tired; the Panthers looked like a team at the beginning of something special."

Oilers Could Learn From the Panthers

Ultimately, Mitchell pointed to Marchand’s surprise availability last season, when everybody assumed he'd retire at some point with the Boston Bruins, as an example of how quickly a market can shift.

The Panthers took advantage and acquired a key player for their postseason run.

"Do the Oilers have a need for another rugged winger?" Mitchell wrote. "The season to come will tell the story."

For now, the Oilers will start the season without forward Evander Kane, who was traded to the Vancouver Canucks before free agency.

Meanwhile, Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and a healthy Hyman will lead the Oilers' offense with the help of depth pieces like Trent Frederic and Vasily Podkolzin.