The Edmonton Oilers will need all the help they can get. After falling short of the Stanley Cup in back-to-back seasons to the Florida Panthers, changes are required. While goalies are always a topic of discussion (Nico Daws and Connor Ingram are two great options to consider), solidifying their forward group is a priority, too.
This offseason has seen them opt for younger, faster forwards with the acquisitions of Andrew Mangiapane and Ike Howard. A new prediction suggests that they might return to a familiar face at the 2026 trade deadline: Evander Kane.
Evander Kane Acquisition: An Oilers’ Hot Take?
This Kane prediction originated from the Edmonton Journal’s Cult of Hockey writer, David Staples. In response to an Oilers fan tweet, he published a post of his hot takes for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
“Darnell Nurse will be the story of the 2026 playoffs – but in a good way this time,” Staples wrote in his first of three predictions. “The Oilers will trade for Evander Kane at the deadline. Noah Philp will be the surprise player of the year.”
“Like Podkolzin was last season.”
Oilers Advisor Unhappy With Kane Trade
One report from the 2 Mutts Podcast says that Oilers legend Paul Coffey is unhappy with the Oilers trading Kane to the Vancouver Canucks.
“We are hearing that Paul Coffey wasn’t happy with the management staff in regards to trading away Evander Kane to the Canucks,” 2 Mutts Podcast reported in an X post. “Coffey expressed why a player like Kane would be someone to keep and re-sign because of how deep his connection is in the community.”
“His connection with his teammates & team staff is also very strong.”
Since this report came out, the Oilers announced that Coffey would not be returning to the Oilers behind the bench. Instead, he has returned to his position as Advisor to the Oilers owner, Daryl Katz.
There’s no way to know if the Kane trade contributed to Coffey returning to his old position. It’s possible that he was always going to leave the Assistant Coach job.
Oilers Options For Forward Reinforcements
The Pittsburgh Penguins have one of the most coveted forwards this offseason. Although no deal has been executed, Bryan Rust is the belle of the ball in terms of the trade market.
Rust has been connected to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings, but also to the Oilers.
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal suggested the Oilers would have interest in a player like Rust, at least over his teammate, Rickard Rakell. Rust would be an excellent target for the Oilers. His experience of playing with superstar Sidney Crosby suggests that he has the tools to play with a generational talent like Connor McDavid.
David Pagnotta made an appearance on the Hello Hockey podcast. On the Oilers-centric show, Pagnotta reported that the Oilers are interested in getting reinforcements for their top-six forward group. Rust fits that need like a glove.
If the Oilers want to acquire a player to increase their talent on the top-end of their roster, Rust is a much better option than Kane. Rust has scored 167 points over 214 games in the last three seasons.
Alternatively, Kane has produced 111 points in 161 games in the three years before the 2024-25 season. Rust has been healthier and more productive, making him a much better option for the Stanley Cup Contender.
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