Oilers News: New Year, same Connor McDavid; Former Oiler makes Olympic roster

The Edmonton Oilers played the Nashville Predators at home on Tuesday night and continued their recent play with a dominant performance.

The game served as a return for 26 year old defenceman Spencer Stastney, who the Oilers acquired from the Predators last month.

Typically, in situations like this, players will have “money on the board” to serve as an incentive for their team to win a meaningful game to them. If Stastney had any money on the board, it was about the best case he could have hoped for but just not for his wallet.

His new team put on an incredible 6-2 performance and looked every part as lethal as you would hope from a team that has made back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals facing off a team fending off a full-on rebuild.

As well in the game, Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins recorded his 500th career assist. An incredible accomplishment for a living Oilers legend.

McDavid continues his hot streak

In December, Oilers captain Connor McDavid received “first star of the week” honours twice by the NHL and looks well on his way to receiving it yet again. In this game he scored a hattrick, following up a two-point night on Saturday and extending his point streak to 16 games. He has not been held off the scoresheet since December 2nd against the Minnesota Wild, amassing 17 goals and 22 assists over that span for a whopping 39 points.

Struggling Oilers remain scratches

Both struggling Oilers forwards, Andrew Mangiapane and Trent Frederic were healthy scratches on Tuesday Night.  

It remains to be seen what will happen to Frederic as he has struggled mightily since being acquired at last year’s trade deadline and then subsequently re-signed by Oilers general manager Stan Bowman.

In over 60 games between the regular season and playoffs in an Oilers uniform, Frederic has scored just seven points. Even as a bottom-six checking forward, these are not great numbers. Especially when considering the massive eight-year deal he signed, carrying a $3.85 million average annual value.

Mangiapane on the other hand, has been heavily involved in trade rumours. He has been linked by NHL insiders to multiple destinations, with Elliotte Friedman specifically mentioning the Anaheim Ducks as a suitor. 

NHL News

Philadelphia Flyers forward, Trevor Zegras had a viral moment on Tuesday night. He scored a goal against his former team, the Anaheim Ducks and had a great clap-back celebration in first game against them.

Pittsburgh Penguins and defenceman Egor Zamula could not work out an agreement after he failed to report to their American Hockey League affiliate, Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins. After both parties mutually agreed to terminate his contract, Zamula signed a one-year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Three Nations revealed their 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Men’s ice hockey rosters with a former Oilers forward making the cut. Recently terminated David Tomasek was named to Czechia as they attempt to win Olympic gold next month.