Oilers News & Rumours: Targeting Top-Six Forward, Bednar, Bowman Gives Update on Bouchard – The Hockey Writers – Edmonton Oilers

It is officially June, which means it’s NHL Draft month, and it also means trade talks and speculation are expected to pick up around the league.

For the Edmonton Oilers, their goal is to improve their roster in hopes of making a push for their first Stanley Cup since 1990, and making up for what was a tough finish to their 2025-26 campaign, losing in the first round of the postseason to the Anaheim Ducks.

In this edition of Oilers News and Rumours, we take a look at the potential of the Oilers looking into acquiring a top-six forward. As well, we look at a comment that mentions the Oilers could keep an eye on Jared Bednar if the Colorado Avalanche choose to go a different direction after being swept by the Vegas Golden Knights. Lastly, we discuss some comments from general manager Stan Bowman.

Stauffer Drops Hint at Potential Oilers Target This Offseason

Oilers fans know that when Bob Stauffer sends out a tweet to talk about the Oilers, there is usually some smoke behind what he is posting. In a recent tweet, he didn’t suggest any specific players, but he mentioned that they should target a top-six forward, possibly one that is a distressed asset on another team.

FWIW.
Not sure how the @EdmontonOilers make it happen.
But.
IMO.
The Oilers need to target a legit top-6 FWD via trade.
Possibly a distressed asset on another team.

— Bob Stauffer (@Bob_Stauffer) May 27, 2026

Obviously, this isn’t a report by any means, but this follows speculation that the Oilers were considering targeting a top-six forward this offseason, and the timing seemed perfect.

A few potential options that fit that description include Jake DeBrusk, Mason McTavish, or Kent Johnson.

We’ll see if anything comes of it, but for now, it’s worth keeping an eye on.

Oilers Keeping an Eye on Jared Bednar?

In a recent segment on the Morning Cuppa Hockey podcast, David Pagnotta mentioned that the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs were both “very curious” to see what ends up happening with Jared Bednar.

Both teams need a new head coach, and after the Avalanche were shockingly swept by the Golden Knights in the Western Conference Final, it seems fair to wonder about Bednar’s future, and if the team could consider going a different direction.

Just last season, the Dallas Stars chose to fire Peter DeBoer, following a loss in the Western Conference Final to the Oilers, so it isn’t the craziest theory that Bednar could be let go.

Stan Bowman Gives Update on Evan Bouchard

Stan Bowman recently appeared on the Oilers Now podcast with Bob Stauffer, and had a positive update on Evan Bouchard, following a hit he took at the IIHF Mens World Championship.

Bowman stated: “[Evan Bouchard] is injured, but he’s doing well…thankfully it’s not worse than it was, but clearly it was a terrible hit. It’s disappointing to see that happen.”

“We’re in touch with him, He’s doing well.”

“Thankfully, it’s not worse than it was.”@EdmontonOilers GM Stan Bowman on Oilers Defenceman Evan Bouchard’s health following the check to his head in the Quarterfinals of the World Championship in Switzerland.

— Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer (@OilersNow) May 28, 2026

Bowman finished with a positive statement on Bouchard’s status, mentioning, “I think he’s gonna be okay.”

Ryan Lindgren received a five-minute major penalty for the hit, which he delivered just as Bouchard was entering the zone. Bouchard was clearly shaken after the hit, and was motionless for a few seconds before teammates and staff got to him.

Bouchard finished his tournament with one goal and six points through eight games.

As the 2025-26 postseason moves along, be sure to continue following The Hockey Writers as your source for news, updates, and more from around the NHL and the hockey world.