Oilers News: Oilers terminate contract, Prospect makes team USA, plus rumours

The holiday break has slowed down the hockey world, especially with multiple days off between games and with the holiday roster freeze. There has been a clear lack of news amongst the Edmonton Oilers and the NHL as a whole.

The biggest piece of news has been the recent drop of some Olympic team rosters for the upcoming 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. As well, the beginning of the 2026 World Junior Hockey Championship, which begins on Boxing Day, December 26th.

Oilers and Tomasek mutually part ways

Coming out of nowhere on Christmas Day, there was reports that the Oilers and forward David Tomasek had agreed to mutually terminate their contract.

Tomasek 29, has been underwhelming this year, playing in 22 games with the Oilers scoring five points (three goals, two assists). He has mainly occupied a position on the fourth line in recent games, often finding himself a scratch on many nights.

That is why the move does not come as a complete surprise, it was clear that there was not a fit for the two parties and the Oilers did not have an opportunity to give to Tomasek that matched his skillset.

Now, with the contract clear, the Oilers freed up $1.2 million in AAV available to them to make moves at the deadline and moving forward.

Barnett makes Team USA roster

Oilers 2025 fifth round pick, defenceman Asher Barnett who plays for the University of Michigan in the NCAA. He was named as one of eight defenders to represent his nation at the World Juniors and will play at the tournament for one of the favourites to medal.

The 18 year old plays a two-way style that is bound to make him a useful piece. Despite not being the most highly touted player for his country, he has history with the program having played for the US at the U-17 and U-18 tournaments for the past two seasons. He even wore the captain's C for the Americans at the U18s in 2025.

Future Hall of Fame goalie eyeing comeback?

It has been long reported that goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury may be open to a return to the NHL, despite having went on his farewell tour for much of last season. The rumour is even more important to Oilers fans as the 41 year old has been heavily linked to Edmonton.

The fit is clear, he has three Stanley Cup rings, a Vezina Trophy and plenty of experience in the NHL with over 1,000 regular season games and nearly 200 in the postseason. He may not be the answer but he can be a part of the solution.

It will remain to be seen if anything happens and the ball is in Fleury's court as he will most certainly have plenty of suitors.

Maple Leafs make changes behind the bench, more to come?

The Toronto Maple Leafs, in the midst of their immense struggles during the 2025-26 season, decided to fire assistant coach Marc Savard in a shocking move as fans called for much more bold action.

The Maple Leafs executives opted to fire their assistant instead of going after either their head coach Craig Berube or general manager Brad Treliving. According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, they are not at risk of losing their jobs yet either.

As Friedman puts it; "But that’s where the changes stop for now, with Treliving and Berube not in similar danger." The key phrase being "for now" in Friedman's statement.