Can Oilers Deliver Deadline Shock After Missing Out on Rantanen?

For years, the Edmonton Oilers have hovered near the summit of the NHL standings, powered by one of the most explosive top lines in the league. Yet despite regular-season success and deep playoff runs, one glaring criticism has remained: a lack of depth scoring beyond the elite trio of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman.

---

Last season, that narrative reached a fever pitch when Edmonton was strongly linked to then-Carolina Hurricanes star Mikko Rantanen, only to see the 30-plus-goal scorer stay in Denver. The miss stung — not just because Rantanen would have plugged a glaring hole, but because it signaled that Oilers management might be hesitant to swing big when it mattered most.

This year, however, whispers are growing louder that general manager Stan Bowman isn’t just watching from the sidelines. With the trade deadline looming, the Oilers could be poised for a surprise splash — one that doesn’t just fill a roster gap, but reshapes their identity as a true Cup contender.

Artemi Panarin: A Franchise-Level Addition

Sitting atop any dream deadline board is dynamic winger Artemi Panarin, whose combination of playmaking and scoring would complement Edmonton’s big guns perfectly. Panarin is a generational talent – a consistent 80-plus point player with elite creativity and hockey sense. Pair him alongside McDavid or Draisaitl, and Edmonton’s top six becomes arguably the deadliest in the league.

The big picture, though, will likely be one of cap room. Panarin, like every other first-round talent and asset, comes with a large price tag attached to him. Removing cap space, though, will likely mean parting ways with Andrew Mangiapane and Adam Henrique, both of whom have added value in the past, but, as scorers, are not quite of an elite level.

If Edmonton could pull off a Panarin trade — even at a steep cost — it would signal that they’re all-in on this Cup window. And after the near-miss with Rantanen, Oilers fans would finally have a splash that feels like a statement.

Robert Thomas: The Dark Horse Target

Not all deadline heroes are A-list stars. Enter Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues: a young center/winger with exceptional playmaking ability and growing defensive skills. He is not as prolific a goal scorer as Panarin, but he also brings variety and youth – both of which are ideal for the Oilers’ timeline.

Thomas is not as frequently mentioned in trade talks as other players, and that could definitely work in the Oilers’ favour if they manage to acquire his services. The St. Louis Blues are open to trades, and in those trades, every player except Dylan Holloway and Phillip Broberg is available, lending credence to rumors of a potential Robert Thomas trade. Again, Mangiapane and Henrique are players the Oilers would have to send back. Both also have no-trade clauses, meaning they can go wherever they please, leaving open the possibility of being traded. Reports that someone would have to “knock the Blues socks off” with their offer suggest these two players don’t get it done.

A Thomas trade would be less flashy than Panarin, but potentially more sustainable. It’s the kind of move that adds immediate depth without mortgaging the future — a smart, strategic deadline win if it comes to fruition.

Alex Tuch: The Balanced Scorer

Another intriguing name is Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres. The latter is a sure bet when it comes to scoring at least 25 goals per season and someone who can play both power forward and net-front roles. The problem with him entering this season is not him, per se, but his salary demands—rumor suggests he is seeking $11 million AAV on his next contract and is unsure Buffalo will grant him that level of salary. If not extended or not extended soon enough, trade rumors will surface.

Edmonton’s acquisition of Tuch would likely require moving Mangiapane and another asset — perhaps a draft pick or young defenseman — to match value. But the end result would be a top six featuring McDavid, Draisaitl, Tuch, Hyman, and Nugent-Hopkins — a terrifying forward group by any measure.

Deadline Moves That Define a Season

No matter which path the Oilers choose, one thing is clear: the reluctance that once defined Edmonton’s trade deadline strategy may finally be fading. After missing out on Rantanen last year, fans and analysts alike are watching closely for bold moves that transform this roster from contender to favorite.

Whether it’s the marquee scoring boost of Panarin, the versatile playmaking of Thomas, or the balanced scoring of Tuch, Edmonton has options that could vault them all the way to Stanley Cup glory — provided they’re willing to part with the right pieces.

Next: Which Forwards are Oilers Targeting on Teams Not Ready to Sell?