The Edmonton Oilers, having recently lost consecutive Stanley Cup Final series to the Florida Panthers, face pressure to strengthen their lineup before the 2026 trade deadline. The Athletic’s Allan Mitchell recommends that the Oilers focus on acquiring the next Brad Marchand trade target if such a player becomes available, aiming to add a blend of grit and scoring to the roster for a sharper competitive edge.
Need for a Tougher Presence Following Key Losses
Mitchell highlights the Oilers’ diminished physical presence and offensive depth after losing winger Zach Hyman, who contributed 44 regular-season points and 11 playoff points before his playoff injury. According to Mitchell, Hyman’s absence was a pivotal moment during the playoffs, exposing a gap in both toughness and sustained energy.
Losing Zach Hyman during the series against the Dallas Stars was a major turning point for the Oilers,
Mitchell wrote.
His relentless pursuit of the puck, along with a steady barrage of hits, left opponents frustrated by his non-stop motor.
This loss underscored Edmonton’s vulnerability in a demanding postseason, where toughness can be as crucial as skill. Mitchell advises that the Oilers should move toward acquiring a high-impact rental winger who can bring that essential ruggedness and offensive support at the trade deadline.
Lessons From the Panthers’ Playoff Success
The Florida Panthers’ midseason acquisition of Marchand was instrumental in their championship run, serving as an example of how unexpected trades can shift the balance of power. Mitchell points out that Brad Marchand’s availability was surprising, yet the Panthers swiftly capitalized on the opportunity.
Drawing from that example, Mitchell questions whether the Oilers have a similar need for a tenacious winger to inject grit into their lineup and help sustain their playoff drive.
Do the Oilers have a need for another rugged winger?
Mitchell wrote.
The season to come will tell the story.
Heading into the new season, the Oilers face changes up front with Evander Kane traded to the Vancouver Canucks and Zach Hyman returning healthy to contribute alongside stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Supporting players like Trent Frederic and Vasily Podkolzin will also be important for adding depth.
Reflecting on Aging Roster and Future Strategy
Mitchell observes that Edmonton’s strategy of trading young assets for older veterans has left the team looking worn in contrast to younger, rising squads like the Panthers. He mentions players such as Sam Bennett, Sam Reinhart, and Matthew Tkachuk as examples of prime talents the Oilers bypassed in recent years.
The Oilers have traded away young assets and acquired older players for a decade, flying by the ‘in their prime’ talents like (Panthers’ Sam) Bennett, (Sam) Reinhart and (Matthew) Tkachuk,
Mitchell wrote.
When the final whistle blew in the final last spring, it was the Oilers who looked old and tired; the Panthers looked like a team at the beginning of something special.
This contrast highlights a critical need for Edmonton to reevaluate its team-building approach, especially to close the grit and energy gap revealed during last season’s playoff exit.
Goaltending and Additional Roster Adjustments Possible
Besides targeting a rugged winger at the 2026 trade deadline, Mitchell also suggests the Oilers may look for an upgrade in goal if necessary. This, combined with acquiring a forceful forward, could bolster their chances of finally breaking through to a Stanley Cup win.
Overall, the Oilers appear poised to focus on adding a tough, high-impact player reminiscent of Brad Marchand’s style—one who can change the dynamic of the team when it matters most in the postseason.