An Edmonton insider names two blue-line studs as perfect fits for the Oilers' second pairing, addressing that defensive hole that's plagued their Cup push. McDavid and Draisaitl need shutdown reliability behind Ekblad and Bouchard, and these targets bring exactly that grit without breaking the bank. As Holland's war room hums with deadline deals, grabbing these vets could flip the script on Edmonton's postseason fate.

Even Leafs loyalists now admit Team Canada's Olympic roster misses Oilers duo Zach Hyman and Evan Bouchard after snubbing them for snazzier names. Toronto radio waves buzz with regret over that selection gamble, especially as Hyman's playoff grit shines in Edmonton. This flip exposes roster politics that could haunt Canada if pucks don't go in.

Team Canada drops the hammer on Zach Hyman and Evan Bouchard, leaving Oilers fans fuming over the snubs for the 2026 Olympic roster even as Seth Jarvis slides in for the injured Brayden Point. Connor McDavid weighs in on his linemate's exclusion, hinting at the brutal math behind Hockey Canada's choices amid a stacked depth chart. With the Oilers grinding through a slump, Hyman's rest could fuel a playoff push, but whispers from front offices question if politics or pure talent ruled the day.

Edmonton demands balance from its blue line as Evan Bouchard carries the load, but the rest of the corps needs to step up amid depth scoring woes. Coaches push for more from the back end to fuel the playoff push, especially with cap constraints limiting easy fixes. Front offices watch closely because overreliance on one star has burned contenders before, and the Oilers sit at a crossroads before the deadline.