Oilers Reportedly Eyeing Stanley Cup Winner Ryan O'Reilly for Trade Deadline

The veteran Predators center could provide much-needed depth at center for Edmonton.

Feb. 17, 2026 at 3:39pm

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The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly considering trading for Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly ahead of the NHL trade deadline. O'Reilly, a Stanley Cup winner, could help address the Oilers' lack of depth at the center position as they push for another deep playoff run.

Why it matters

The Oilers have struggled with consistency this season and need to add depth to their lineup to compete with the top teams in the Western Conference. O'Reilly's two-way play, faceoff ability, and playoff experience could be valuable assets for Edmonton as they look to make another run at the Stanley Cup.

The details

According to reports, the Oilers are targeting O'Reilly as a potential third-line center addition before the trade deadline. The 32-year-old veteran is in the third year of a four-year, $18 million contract with a $4.5 million cap hit. While the Predators are close to a playoff spot, they may be open to moving O'Reilly as part of a roster shake-up.

  • The Oilers entered the Olympic break with a 28-22-8 record and 64 points, sitting second in the Pacific Division.

The players

Ryan O'Reilly

A veteran center for the Nashville Predators who is in the third year of a four-year, $18 million contract with a $4.5 million cap hit.

Connor McDavid

The star center for the Edmonton Oilers, whose scoring pace dipped before the Olympic break, highlighting the team's need for more depth up front.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

The Oilers' top-line center who also fills the third-line center role, leaving a gap in the lineup that the team is looking to address.

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What they’re saying

“The Oilers have a Ryan Nugent-Hopkins problem: There's only one of him.”

— Allan Mitchell, Oilers Insider

“Of all the names on the trade board, O'Reilly might be the best combination of perfect fit, affordable cap hit and achievable acquisition cost for Bowman.”

— Allan Mitchell, Oilers Insider

What’s next

The Oilers will need to clear cap space to acquire O'Reilly, as they are currently projected to be $1,772,267 over the salary cap. Any trade for the veteran center would require roster adjustments from the Oilers.

The takeaway

The Oilers' pursuit of Ryan O'Reilly highlights their need to add depth at center to complement star player Connor McDavid. O'Reilly's two-way play, faceoff ability, and playoff experience could be valuable assets for Edmonton as they look to make another deep postseason run.