The trade deadline is less than a week away and the rumour mill is spinning at high speeds, especially for the Edmonton Oilers.
It is hard to know what is true and what is not, especially with differing reports from various NHL insiders. Between recently reported trade targets on defence to a shocking Oiler that could be in play and then being denied by other sources, things are crazy.
That is why, I will try to compile the latest according to what is being said by credible insiders right now.
Latest Oilers trade targets
On Saturday Headlines on Hockey Night in Canada, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman named what exactly Stan Bowman and the Oilers are targeting ahead of the 2026 NHL trade deadline. Friedman reported "From what I've heard, I think Edmonton is looking at two possibilities. A defenceman who can play the right side, OEL has done that before or potentially a third centre." He also confirms that the Oilers are not looking at another goaltender.
The other day, it was reported that the Oilers were pursuing two defencemen in particular; Justin Faulk from the St. Louis Blues and Oliver Ekman-Larsson from the Toronto Maple Leafs. There have also been other defenceman who have been speculatively tied to the Oilers; Logan Stanley, Luke Schenn, and Rasmus Ristolainen.
In terms of centres, there does not seem to be a legitimate report regarding who the club could be targeting but there are plenty of players who fit the reported bill.
Oilers veteran does not want to move
Recently, NHL insider David Pagnotta reported that he had heard Oilers veteran Adam Henrique was in talks. He said "You're starting to hear Adam Henrique's name out there a little bit. But he's got full no-trade protection,".
This of course caused some speculation that Henrique could be in play. Today, Pagnotta along with many other insiders loudly denied the possibility that Henrique would even entertain a potential move from the Oilers.
This is correct. Henrique hasn’t told Edmonton he’s willing to waive; he isn’t interested in leaving. https://t.co/Sid1ebqbhy
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) March 1, 2026
So, this essentially leaves the Oilers with only one player carrying a significant cap hit that is likely to be moved by the March 6th deadline, Andrew Mangiapane. Moving Mangiapane's contract alone could clear up to $3.6 million per year but if the Oilers were able to move Henrique, he would represent an additional $3 million.
Oilers movement appears to be imminent
According to well connected Oilers reporter Bob Stauffer, there is an expectation that there will be movement as soon as March 1st.
“Don’t be surprised if tomorrow, there is a little bit of movement internally within the Oilers organization.” - Bob Stauffer.
— Oilers Daily (@oilersdailyy) February 28, 2026
🤔🤔🤔
Stauffer is quoted as having said "Don’t be surprised if tomorrow, there is a little bit of movement internally within the Oilers organization.” This leaves a lot of room for speculation, is it a simple roster move? Is it a change behind the bench? Is it a trade? Who knows.
There has been a call for big changes, especially to the Oilers coaching staff after a poor 1-4-0 record through the month of February.
Something needs to change in Edmonton, especially as their grasp on a Pacific Division playoff spot slipping.