Oilers Linked to Two Big Names

The Edmonton Oilers rumors are heating up. Two reporters have recently linked them to two big names. Both could be big trade options this offseason. First up is Kirill Marchenko from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Second is Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets.

Now, the Oilers aren’t necessarily looking to spend any more of their $1.08 million in remaining salary cap this offseason. However, with news that goaltender Frederik Andersen and forward Matt Savoie will miss some time, they could start looking at trade options. Marchenko and Hellebuyck offer a rare opportunity for Edmonton to upgrade their top six and/or goaltending.

Marchenko registered 27 goals and 40 assists for 67 points in 76 games last season. David Staples of the Edmonton Journal recently discussed the possibility of Marchenko eventually landing in Edmonton, noting his connection to Oilers forward Vasily Podkolzin, who played with him in Russia.

“It certainly looks like they would have room to add a piece like next season, and that’s why I think you see someone like, you know, Kirill Marchenko, if he became available. That’s someone who would be of interest because he’s on a pretty low deal right now, and then when you use an extension, they would potentially have the room to pay him.”

Oilers Could Interest Hellebuyck

Winnipeg Jets reporter Sean Reynolds was asked on the Bleed Oil Blue Podcast whether Hellebuyck would consider a trade to Edmonton. He suggested that Hellebuyck would if it gave him a better opportunity to win the Stanley Cup.

Hellebuyck (33) is coming off a poor 2025-26 season. He has carried a significant workload throughout his career. The native of Commerce, Michigan, also helped Team USA win Olympic gold in 2026. If winning is Hellebuyck’s top priority, the Oilers could be a top destination worth considering despite being a Canadian market. It’s also rumored that he has some interest in joining the Montreal Canadiens as well.

With a full no-movement clause (NMC), Hellebuyck will have the final say in where he gets traded to. For now, the Jets have suspended him for failing to show up to training camp.