With the Olympic break rapidly approaching and the Edmonton Oilers fighting to stay at the top of the Pacific Division, the expectation is that they will be active as the 2026 Trade Deadline approaches. With their recent comeback win over the San Jose Sharks, the Oilers won three games in a row for the first time during their 2025-26 campaign, but then followed it up with a blowout loss to the Minnesota Wild.
Related: Suggested Trade Has Oilers Acquiring Jonathan Toews From the Jets
In this edition of Oilers News & Rumours, we take a look at the emergence of Josh Samanski, the news of a roster move involving Calvin Pickard, and a source claiming the Oilers have a trade or two coming down the pipe soon.
Samanski Playing Well, Notches First NHL Point
The Oilers recently called up Josh Samanski, who will represent his home country of Germany alongside fellow Oiler Leon Draisaitl at the upcoming Olympics, after a solid start in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Bakersfield Condors. Having played three games, he has notched one assist and has proven to be a smart player defensively.
Roslovic scores & Samanski secures his first @NHL point ✔️ #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/lVVFmJOMyu
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) February 1, 2026
While his first point came on a goal that was near the end of what was a blowout loss, it was nice to see the rookie get on the board. He has played well, and it seems as though he has earned the trust of head coach Kris Knoblauch as the third-line centre, but moving forward, we will see if he remains in the NHL or if he ends up having another stint with the Condors.
Calvin Pickard Placed on Waivers
On Sunday afternoon, the Oilers announced that they had placed goaltender Calvin Pickard on waivers.
The #Oilers have placed goaltender Calvin Pickard on waivers. pic.twitter.com/e3Vn3jBJeW
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) February 1, 2026
They didn’t specify, but the assumption is they plan to assign him to the Condors if he passes through waivers. Pickard, who is 33 years old, has just five wins through 16 games played with the Oilers this season, posting a 3.68 goals-against-average (GAA) and a .871 save percentage (SV%), as well as a -3.5 goals-saved-above-expected (GSAX).
There have been rumblings that some teams are looking to bolster their organizational goaltending depth, so Pickard may get picked up. Time will tell.
Trade(s) Imminent?
With hockey fans always wanting news and rumours about their team, it’s always interesting to see updates pop up on social media. On Sunday evening, representatives of the 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast tweeted that the Oilers could have one or two trades lined up before Wednesday.
The #LetsGoOilers are expected to make a few moves here, one or two trades could happen between tomorrow & Wednesday.
Some discussions of a trade happening as soon as tomorrow according to those around the organization.
Some help is on the way for the Oilers though. #NHL
— 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast (@2MuttsHockeyPod) February 2, 2026
There were no specifics given, but a previous tweet by them indicated something could be going down between the Oilers and Maple Leafs in the coming days. Time will tell if a deal comes to fruition, but this will be something to watch.
Andrew Mangiapane has been a healthy scratch and has seemingly lost his spot in the lineup over the past few weeks, and it seems a move involving him is imminent. We will see what happens.
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