The Edmonton Oilers are pushing for a playoff spot, and while it seems likely that they will be able to have another deep postseason run, fans are growing concerned about certain aspects of their game.
Their defensive game has been tough to watch at certain points of the season, their goaltending has been inconsistent at times, and their lack of physicality has been an issue as well.
Related: Trusted Pundits Suggest Oilers Could Move on From Darnell Nurse
In recent games, though, that has changed. They have picked up their physicality, they have found a stronger structure defensively, and they are getting scoring out of their depth, rather than just their top-six forward group.
In this edition of Oilers News and Rumours, we take a look at an injury update on star forward Leon Draisaitl. Next, we will take a deeper look at the Oilers’ improved defensive play. Lastly, we will take a look at the speculation surrounding the Oilers’ interest in a college free agent.
Draisaitl to Miss Time With Injury
In the Oilers’ previous game against the Nashville Predators, Leon Draisaitl took a hit from Predators’ forward Ozzy Wiesblatt, and while it didn’t seem to be anything major, it has affected him enough that he will miss time to rest an injury that came from it.
Leon Draisaitl appeared to be injured after taking a hard hit early in the first period from Ozzy Wiesblatt.
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 16, 2026
Draisaitl was not on the bench to start the second, and didn't play the rest of the game. Kris Knoblauch had no update on his status after the game. pic.twitter.com/PaLTn6wKxa
The Oilers practiced on Monday (Mar. 16) without Draisaitl in their lineup, so it seems as though he will miss their next game against the San Jose Sharks. After that, there seems to be no timeline for his return.
Oilers’ Defensive Play Has Improved
One of the biggest complaints about the Oilers at the beginning of the season was their defensive game, as they seemed to be all over the place in the defensive zone, which cost them on many different occasions. However, that seems to have turned around.
In reference to the information provided by Golden Hockey on X, the Oilers have been one of the best teams in the league in terms of xGA per 60 since the Olympic break.
Top 5 defensive teams in the NHL since the Olympic break by xGA per 60:
— Golden Hockey (@GoldenHcky) March 16, 2026
1. DAL: 1.88
2. CBJ: 2.05
3. COL: 2.21
4. EDM: 2.21
5. VGK: 2.22#TexasHockey #CBJ #GoAvsGo #LetsGoOilers #VegasBorn
The additions of Jason Dickinson and Connor Murphy from the Chicago Blackhawks, who are both known to be strong, defensive-minded players, should only help them improve those numbers.
As the Oilers try to push for a top spot in the Pacific Division heading into the postseason, continuing their strong defensive play will be key. If they can keep it consistent, they should be able to find a way to have another deep playoff run.
Oilers Interested in T.J. Hughes, Insider Claims
According to Jeff Marek, the Edmonton Oilers have shown interest in college free agent T.J. Hughes.
Hughes, who is 24, had 19 goals and 31 assists for 50 points through 36 games with the University of Michigan this season.
In the 21-22 season, Hughes played with the Brooks Bandits (AJHL at the time) and had 127 points through 60 games.
Hughes is expected to draw interest from several NHL teams once his NCAA season concludes.
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