What Happened
The Edmonton Oilers have begun exploring the trade market for forward reinforcements after five forwards were sidelined to open the 2026-27 season, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. Friedman said on the Saturday Headlines segment that Edmonton has looked at a lateral trade, possibly a defenceman for a forward, using its defensive depth. He added the injured forwards are not out long-term and the Oilers are not panicked, but they will consider a move if one is available.
Key Details
- Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jason Dickinson, Matt Savoie and Mattias Janmark are all currently sidelined.
- Savoie is on long-term injured reserve; Nugent-Hopkins, Janmark and Dickinson are on regular IR.
- Nugent-Hopkins' return timeline from a lower-body issue is unclear.
- Hyman is expected to miss approximately two weeks with an undisclosed injury.
- Josh Samanski and Max Jones have entered the lineup.
- Edmonton lost 6-5 in overtime to Vancouver, then won 9-7 two nights later.
What It Means
Edmonton's forward injuries have forced lineup changes early in the season, with Samanski and Jones stepping in. The Oilers have defensive depth to deal from, which could allow them to add temporary scoring help without disrupting their long-term plans. Because the injured forwards are not expected to be out long-term, any trade would likely be a short-term fix rather than a major roster overhaul.
What's Next
The Oilers will continue to monitor the trade market for a defenceman-for-forward swap while their injured forwards recover. Hyman is expected back in approximately two weeks, while Nugent-Hopkins' timeline remains unclear.