They might not be part of the Edmonton Oilers anymore, but it's sometimes still worth discussing the happenings for ex-Oilers players. The same can be said for forward Dylan Holloway, who was drafted by the team in the 2020 NHL Draft and played three seasons with the Oilers after signing his entry-level deal in April 2021.
A few days ago, it was announced that Holloway and his St. Louis Blues teammate Robert Thomas would be joining the Canadian team for the upcoming edition of the IIHF World Championship. The news rounded up a strong start to the month of May for the former Oiler; after recording close to a point-per-game scoring pace throughout his 2025-26 campaign, he signed an extension to remain with the Blues for the next five seasons.
Both Holloway and Thomas would make a difference in Canada's 6-1 win over France, which served as the team's first of two pre-tournament tune ups. Holloway would record Canada's second goal of the game, restoring the team's lead after Guillaume Leclerc levelled the score at one goal apiece.
The other goalscorers for Canada consisted of San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini, Toronto Maple Leafs forward/ex-captain John Tavares, as well as Winnipeg Jets teammates Gabriel Vilardi and Mark Scheifele. Celebrini would record two goals in his first international appearance since the gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Holloway isn't the only ex-Oiler on Canada's roster
Despite missing the playoffs with the New Jersey Devils, forward Connor Brown will factor for Team Canada in the upcoming edition of the World Championship. Brown was part of both of Edmonton's runs to the Stanley Cup Final; he recorded a combined 15 points over the course of the 39 games played during those two postseason runs. He also had a net +5 plus/minus rating over that span of games.
His second season with the Oilers would see him record 30+ points in a season for the first time since the 2021-22 campaign, when he scored 39 points with the Ottawa Senators.
Brown did not factor into the scoring in Canada's 6-1 win over France.
Remember when goaltender Cam Talbot was an Oiler? That name's a blast from the past; I was actually at the game where he made his debut for the Senators. But Talbot is serving as the third-string goalie for Team Canada in the World Championship; he'll sit behind Columbus Blue Jackets netminder Jett Greaves and University of Michigan goaltender Jack Ivankovic, the latter of whom posted a tournament-leading 2.34 goals-against average during the 2026 World Juniors.
Talbot was listed alongside current Oilers Darnell Nurse, who finds himself in trade speculation and Evan Bouchard who was a recent Norris Trophy snub. As well Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly, as a scratch for the contest.
What's next for Canada?
Canada will contest their second pre-tournament game on Wednesday at 1:00 PM Eastern Time when they take on Hungary in Switzerland.
Following that, Canada will contest their first group stage game of the World Championship on Friday; they will take on Sweden at 10:20 AM Eastern Time.
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