The Edmonton Oilers will likely explore the trade market for top-nine scoring and special-teams help during the 2026–27 season. Several former Oilers could become intriguing reunion targets because they already understand Edmonton’s system, pressure and core players.
Ryan McLeod
Ryan McLeod would immediately improve Edmonton’s speed, penalty kill and centre depth. Since being traded to the Buffalo Sabres, he has developed into a productive two-way forward, recording 54 points last season.
McLeod is signed through 2028–29 at $5 million annually, making him more than a rental. He could centre the third line, kill penalties and move into the top six when injuries occur.
Buffalo would demand a significant return, but McLeod’s age and versatility would make him a strong long-term addition.
Corey Perry
Corey Perry would be a familiar and affordable deadline target. The 41-year-old produced 17 goals and 37 points in 72 games between Los Angeles and Tampa Bay last season, demonstrating that he can still provide secondary scoring.
Perry returned to the Kings on a one-year contract carrying a $1 million cap hit. If Los Angeles falls out of contention, Edmonton could pursue him without creating a major cap complication.
Perry recorded 19 goals during his final regular season with the Oilers before adding 10 goals and 14 points in 22 playoff games. His net-front presence, physicality and willingness to agitate opponents would strengthen Edmonton’s bottom six and second power-play unit.
He would not solve the team’s need for more speed, but few available players would bring more postseason experience.
Warren Foegele
Warren Foegele may be the most realistic reunion candidate. The 30-year-old is entering the final season of a contract carrying a $3.5 million cap hit. If the Ottawa Senators fall out of contention, he could become available before the 2027 Trade Deadline.
Foegele recorded 45 goals and 95 points in 231 games during his three seasons in Edmonton. He brings speed, forechecking and the ability to move throughout the top nine.
His expiring contract should keep the acquisition cost lower than McLeod’s, although Edmonton may require Ottawa to retain salary.
Connor Brown
Connor Brown developed into an important playoff performer during his second season in Edmonton, contributing secondary scoring, strong penalty killing and relentless puck pursuit.
Brown recorded 18 goals and 43 points with the New Jersey Devils last season. He is signed through 2028–29 at $3 million annually, meaning Edmonton would need to view him as more than a short-term addition.
His defensive reliability and familiarity with the core would be valuable. However, the Oilers may hesitate to inherit three additional seasons for a forward who turns 33 during the season.
Viktor Arvidsson
Viktor Arvidsson’s first stint in Edmonton was inconsistent, but he remains capable of producing top-nine offence. After rebuilding his value in Boston, he signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings.
If Detroit struggles, Arvidsson could provide Edmonton with a right-shot winger who can shoot, forecheck and contribute on the power play. His $5 million cap hit would be difficult to accommodate without retention, but he would bring more offensive upside than most deadline rentals.
Foegele represents the most realistic option, while McLeod would provide the best combination of speed and special-teams value. Perry could be the most affordable addition and already proved he can elevate his game during an Edmonton playoff run.
Next: McDavid’s Greatest Feat Yet: The Superstar Who Changed Hockey Now Changes the Game Itself
Discover more from NHL Trade Talk
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
More News
