NHL Rumors: Oilers Plans, Hedman, Bedard, and More On Team Canada – The Hockey Writers – Edmonton Oilers

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Edmonton Oilers lost to the Anaheim Ducks and were eliminated from the playoffs. Following comments from Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, what’s next for this underachieving group that believes they have to be Cup contenders every season? Meanwhile, what is the status of defenseman Victor Hedman, as the Tampa Bay Lightning are on the verge of elimination? Will Connor Bedard be joining Team Canada at the Worlds? Finally, Hockey Canada has revealed it will not be participating in the 2026 Spengler Cup.

Edmonton Oilers Offseason Plans

Following their first-round loss to the Ducks, there are questions in Edmonton about the team and its plans moving forward. “We were an average team all year”, noted Connor McDavid. He also said, “That’s been the whole year. We’ve been searching for consistency the whole year. Obviously, we didn’t find it in the playoffs.” 

Leon Draisaitl added, “Never really found what you need to find this time of year, especially to go all the way. In my opinion just not good enough.”

The Oilers face tough decisions with several pending UFAs and likely won’t retain everyone. Jack Roslovic hurt his value with a quiet playoff showing, while Kasperi Kapanen may price himself out. Connor Murphy could be worth keeping, but the term and salary are concerns. Adam Henrique offers situational value if affordable, but he is aging and might not be worth retaining. Jason Dickinson remains a solid, if limited, depth option worth considering on the right deal.

Of course, what the Oilers do about their goaltending is what most will be keeping an eye on. Do they re-sign Connor Ingram? Do they try to trade Tristan Jarry after taking a swing and missing? What about big contracts like the one Darnell Nurse is on? Or longer contracts like Trent Frederic’s?

Jarry has two years remaining on his contract, but he didn’t instill confidence in anyone. Nurse has four years remaining on a contract that pays him $9.25 million per season. He also has a full no-movement clause.

What About Head Coach Kris Knoblauch?

Kris Knoblauch was close to being on the hot seat earlier in the season, but talk calmed when the Oilers went on a run as the playoffs approached. Will he survive the changes the Oilers will inevitably make? He’s on a relatively new contract, but fingers will be pointed somewhere. Does Paul Coffey stay? Will he take on a bigger role?

Someone like Bruce Cassidy could be a consideration for the Oilers if they choose to consider a change behind the bench. Cassidy expressed openness to coaching in Canada.

Connor Bedard Out for Team Canada

Elliotte Friedman is reporting on Friday, “Unfortunately, Connor Bedard won’t be able to dress for Canada at the upcoming Worlds.” He adds, “Really wanted to go, but was told the best thing for next season was to rehab his injury and skip the event. So that is the decision.”

Darren Dreger is also reporting that Spencer Carberry, Ryan Huska, and DJ Smith are also part of Team Canada’s coaching staff.

Canada Not Part of Spengler Cup

Hockey Canada has released a statement that it will not participate in this year’s Spengler Cup Tournament. Their long-term contract expired, and they did not reach an extension agreement in time to participate. They also noted that they are open to and will continue to discuss options for future involvement.