Insider Says Oilers “Will Look Different” After Olympic Break

As the NHL pauses for the Winter Olympics, don’t assume the Edmonton Oilers are standing still. Speaking on Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman made it clear that change is coming in Edmonton — even if it doesn’t happen the moment the Olympic roster freeze lifts.

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“I think [the Oilers] will look different,” Friedman said. “I just don’t know if it’s going to be that fast.”

Friedman explained that while the hockey world’s attention is focused on Olympic action, general managers are anything but distracted. In fact, he revealed he received a message from a GM while in Italy, reminding him not to take his eye off the ball. Business is still being conducted behind the scenes, including groundwork for trades and contract extensions ahead of the NHL trade deadline.

“One thing I was reminded of today is that you can still sign extensions,” Friedman noted. Teams want clarity before the freeze ends — are pending free agents staying, or will they need to be moved?

Across the league, several intriguing names are generating quiet buzz. As for Edmonton, Friedman stopped short of predicting a specific move but reiterated that the roster likely won’t look the same by deadline day.

How Might the Oilers Look Different?

Some of the names linked to coming in include Bobby McMann from the Toronto Maple Leafs. He’s a forward that many insiders have linked to Edmonton, including Friedman. David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period reports that there have been no talks about him between the two teams.

Pagnotta did wonder if Oliver Ekman-Larsson or Nicholas Roy might be of interest.

In a recent article for The Athletic, Allan Mitchell suggested that Artem Zub of the Ottawa Senators might be a nice fit. He wasn’t sure the Oilers had the assets to pull it off, however.

A couple of Edmonton-based scribes have hinted at a trade involving Andrew Mangiapane for Warren Foegele.

There’s also speculation about Hall of Famer Paul Coffey potentially joining the coaching staff. Friedman sounded more open to that possibility than before, though nothing appears imminent. Meanwhile, Jason Gregor suggested on Sports 1440 that if Coffey were to return, it could signal a much larger organizational shift.

One way or another, the Oilers appear poised for change — and the real action may begin the moment the Olympic spotlight fades.

Next: NHL Insider Warned Not to “Take Eye Off The Ball”, Signings Coming