Oilers News: Latest trade target, more Olympic rosters, Sens release statement, more

Although not an incredibly active day across the NHL, there was a number of interesting pieces of news for the Edmonton Oilers and the other 31 NHL clubs.

There was plenty of game action across the league with the Oilers taking on the Winnipeg Jets. Although things looked scary as the Oilers were down 3-1 heading into the first intermission, they were able to hang on and score three unanswered goals to win 4-3.

Oilers target NHL captain according to insider

NHL insider David Pagnotta spoke about the Oilers on a recent episode of Hello Hockey with Tom Gazzolla and Shawn Belle.

During the conversation, the topic of the Oilers targeting Columbus Blue Jackets captain came up with Pagnotta saying "We’ve talked about this for a good chunk of the season that Boone Jenner is going to be a target for a team like the Edmonton Oilers,".

He then clarified “He’d be a perfect fit for them if the Jackets get to a point where they’re going to try to move him. They’re not there yet.”

The Jackets at this stage do not sound like they are actively shopping Jenner who is on the final year of a four-year contract paying him $3.75 million per season. However, if or when he becomes available, expect the Oilers and general manager Stan Bowman to heavily pursue him.

Multiple former Oilers make Olympic rosters

On Thursday, Slovakia announced the roster they will be taking to the 2026 Milan Olympics and the squad is slated to feature two former Oilers in their lineup.

Defencemen Martin Marincin and Martin Gernat, both drafted by the Oilers are set to suit up for their home country next month.

Marincin was drafted by the Oilers in the second round in 2010 and played 85 games with the club across two seasons from 2013-2015. He was then traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs ahead of the 2015-16 NHL season. He has represented Slovakia on the international stage at various tournaments, including the 2014 and 2022 Olympics.

Gernat was drafted by the Oilers in the fifth round of the 2011 NHL Draft. He did not play in the NHL but spent three seasons with the Oilers American Hockey League affilates the Bakersfield Condors and Oklahoma City Barons. He has also represented Slovakia at the 2022 Olympic games.

Around the NHL

Patrick Kane scores 500th goal

Detroit Red Wings forward and Chicago Blackhawks legend, Patrick Kane scored his 500th NHL goal in his 1332nd game, putting his career tally up to 1369 points. It is yet another milestone in what is a first ballot hall of fame career.

Senators rumour sparks GM to release statement

Rumours surrounding a potential cheating scandal involving the Ottawa Senators players have run rampant on X (formerly Twitter) recently. The rumours have become such a distraction that Senators general manager Steve Staois had to get out in front and deny the allegations.

The situation feels eerily similar to rumours surrounding former Oilers winger Corey Perry and the end of his tenure with the Blackhawks. This time, the player facing scrutiny is goaltender Linus Ullmark who was placed on a personal leave of absence for reasons not publicly known.

Senators sign James Reimer

As a result of the Ullmark news, int he midst of the Senators 8-2 loss against the Colorado Avalanche, it was announced that the Senators would be signing veteran goaltender James Reimer to a try-out contract with their AHL affiliate, the Belleville Senators.

OHL Trade Deadline

The Ontario Hockey League Trade Deadline is set to hit on Friday January 9th at 12:00pm EST. There have been plenty of blockbusters in recent days with big names such as; Haoxi Wang, Kieran Walton, and others switching teams.