The Edmonton Oilers are back in action, after a long Olympic break, on Wednesday (Feb. 25) when they take on the Anaheim Ducks. As the trade deadline approaches, the Oilers are looking to close out a solid campaign and will be trying to win their first Stanley Cup since 1990.
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In this edition of Oilers News & Rumours, we take a look at some smoke behind an Andrew Mangiapane trade, Connor McDavid’s play at the Olympics, and potential recalls of Matthew Savoie and Josh Samanski.
Is a Mangiapane Trade Imminent?
While some fans question their legitimacy, representatives at the 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast suggested that Andrew Mangiapane’s time with the Oilers is coming to an end.
The Andrew Mangiapane file in Edmonton is coming to a close.
— 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast (@2MuttsHockeyPod) February 23, 2026
Movement on that file is expected very shortly here.
It didn’t workout for both sides & that happens in life.
Mangiapane will find great success in his new @NHL home.
He’s a great #NHL player still.#LetsGoOilers
This would finally mark the end of the Mangiapane saga in Edmonton, after months of rumours that he would be traded. Time will tell if the tweet ends up coming to reality, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get a fresh start elsewhere, as the Oilers look to clear up cap space to be buyers at the 2026 Trade Deadline.
McDavid Wins Olympic MVP
After a dominant showing with Team Canada at the Olympics, Connor McDavid was named the MVP.
Connor McDavid is your #MilanoCortina2026 #WinterOlympics MVP!! 🍁 pic.twitter.com/Im5xSLqkQY
— NHL (@NHL) February 22, 2026
McDavid finished the tournament with two goals and 11 assists for 13 points and a +5, helping lead Team Canada to a Silver medal.
There is no indication as to when he will return to the Oilers’ lineup, and he may miss a game or two before he gets going again.
Oilers to Recall Savoie & Samanski?
The Oilers sent Joshua Samanski down to the American Hockey League (AHL) before the Olympic break, and also sent Matthew Savoie down for salary cap purposes. When their season ramps back up, they would likely prefer to have both of them in the NHL, but with Adam Henrique ready to return from injury, they may have to juggle some things to bring them both up.
The #Oilers have loaned forward Matt Savoie to the @Condors. pic.twitter.com/R0VAMfQhbE
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) February 17, 2026
As mentioned earlier, moving on from Mangiapane could be exactly what they need to activate Henrique, and then recall Savoie and Samanski.
Samanski had an impressive showing before the Olympic break and has earned another look, while Savoie has already proven himself at the NHL level and will be back up for their next game.
Time will tell what the Oilers end up doing to find a way to get Samanski, Savoie, and Henrique in their lineup for their game against the Ducks, and with the roster freeze lifted and teams being able to trade freely, it seems to be a matter of time before trades start being announced, and the Oilers start putting the finishing touches on their roster that they hope can give them the best shot at winning a championship.
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