For the Edmonton Oilers, this week is all about the 2026 Winter Olympics. There are no NHL regular season games, but several major storylines involving current and former players will dominate the conversation.
McDavid is chasing gold
The biggest story in the hockey world is that Connor McDavid is finally making his Olympic debut. After missing 2018 and 2022 due to non-play in the NHL and COVID-19, McDavid is on a mission to add a gold medal to his trophy case.
He entered the break leading the league in points and is widely expected to center Canada’s top line, possibly alongside Sidney Crosby or Nathan MacKinnon on the power play.
The ‘rejected’ stars: rest versus rust
While McDavid is in Italy, a major storyline in Edmonton is who isn’t there.
Evan Bouchard and Zach Hyman: Despite strong offensive numbers, both were left off the Team Canada roster. Bouchard’s exclusion was heavily debated due to his elite offensive production from the blue line, but concerns about his defensive play likely cost him a spot.
Matthias Ekholm: The veteran defender was left out of Team Sweden’s roster in favor of younger options, including former oilman Philip Broberg. Ekholm publicly expressed his disappointment, calling it likely his “last chance” at the Olympics.
Silver lining: For the Oilers as a team, this is a huge advantage. Key contributors like Bouchard, Hyman, Ekholm, Darnell Nurse and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will get two weeks off to heal bumps and bruises before the final playoff push.
Draisaitl Leading Underdog Germany
Leon Draisaitl returns to the international stage as the undisputed leader from team Germany. He will be joined by Oilers rookie Josh Samanski, who earned a spot on the German roster after making his NHL debut last month. This is a huge development opportunity for Samanski to play meaningful minutes alongside Draisaitl.
Germany faces a tough test against Team USA on Sunday, February 15, which will be an important benchmark for Draisaitl’s squad.
Pacific Division race
The Oilers entered the break in a fierce battle for the top of the Pacific Division, closely behind the Vegas Golden Knights.
The health of the players returning from the Olympics will be crucial. Oilers fans will be holding their breath as McDavid and Draisaitl return injury-free for the final regular season.
Related – Guide to the 2026 Winter Olympics Men’s Hockey Tournament
Oilers Olympic schedule this week
| Date | Event/Matchup | Time (ET) | Comments |
| Thu February 12 | Canada vs Czech Republic | 10:40 am | McDavid (CAN) vs. Tomasek (CZE) |
| Germany vs Denmark | 3:10 PM | Draisaitl & Samanski (DU) | |
| Fri Feb 13 | Canada vs Switzerland | 3:10 PM | McDavid leads Team Canada. |
| Sat February 14th | Germany vs Latvia | 4:10 am | Crucial group stage game for GER. |
| Sun, February 15 | Canada vs France | 10:40 am | McDavid vs. former oilman Auvitu. |
| Germany vs USA | 1:10 PM | Draisaitl vs. Team USA. |
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