NHL Trade Rumors: Oilers Linked To Jonathan Toews

Friday, January 23, 2026 , ,
Winnipeg Jets forward Jonathan Toews reacts during 2025 game.

The Edmonton Oilers are expected to chase a top nine forward ahead of the trade deadline, and Jeff Marek just tossed a familiar, spicy name into the mix by linking them to Jonathan Toews as a potential low cost add if the Winnipeg Jets slide into seller mode. 

Pierre LeBrun said Edmonton left its recent meetings with a “very concrete plan” to target that kind of forward, with the internal debate being whether the best value is down the middle or on the wing.

Why Jeff Marek floated Toews as the Oilers fit

On Oilers Nation Everyday, Marek framed Toews as the type of deadline swing that could cost “basically nothing” in assets if Winnipeg falls far enough, while also pointing to the obvious role in Edmonton as a third line center who can win draws and steady the group. 

Toews has seven goals and 11 assists in 49 games this season with the Jets, and his game has been trending up lately after a slow start. He also still brings impressive faceoff prowess, holding a strong 61.6 faceoff percentage.

What Toews still brings in 2026

Even if the counting stats are modest, Toews’ resume still screams playoff utility, and it explains why the Oilers are getting linked at all. 

He is a three time Stanley Cup champion with the Chicago Blackhawks, won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2010, and added the Selke Trophy in 2013 plus the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2015. 

If Edmonton is serious about adding a dependable middle six piece without paying a premium, the Toews idea fits the same lane LeBrun described, but it only works if the cost stays cheap and the cap math does not bite them later. 

Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Go To: NFL Rumors | NBA Rumors | MLB Rumors