Oilers Pushed Toward Trade With Blue Jackets After Injury News

Thursday, September 03, 2026 ,
Kirill Marchenko trade speculation involving the Edmonton Oilers has been simmering for months. 

A pair of unexpected injuries just gave it fresh life.

Separate local reporters have linked the Oilers to Marchenko again this week, tying the renewed interest to news that both Matt Savoie and Frederik Andersen will miss time. 

"The Edmonton Oilers aren't necessarily looking to spend any of their remaining cap money this summer, but with news that both Matt Savoie and Frederik Andersen will miss some time, they could look at opportunities to upgrade their top six and goaltending," the Hockey Writers reported.

Familiar Argument Getting A Fresh Push

Edmonton Journal columnist David Staples has been making the case for a Marchenko trade for months, and he doubled down this week even while acknowledging the winger might not want to stay in Edmonton long-term. 

"Marchenko would look awfully good on the Oil's first line," Staples wrote. "He's in the prime of his career. Yes, he might not want to sign long term here, but even on a short term trade the Oilers would have him this year and likely next year in his final RFA season."

The Athletic's Allan Mitchell has pushed a similar line, arguing GM Stan Bowman needs to get aggressive given Edmonton's current roster construction. 

"For the Oilers, bringing in high-priced veterans is no longer a viable option," Mitchell wrote. "The team needs an impact player, and needs that player to deliver guaranteed production for the next five seasons or more."

Marchenko Keeps Coming Up

Marchenko is coming off a 27-goal, 67-point season on a bargain $3.85 million cap hit, and he's entering the final year of his contract before restricted free agency in July 2027. 

Reports throughout the summer have suggested both Marchenko and Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski aren't interested in signing long-term extensions in Columbus, which is exactly what's kept his name alive in trade rumors going all the way back to draft weekend in June.

Columbus is under no pressure to move him and hasn't been reported as actively shopping him. 

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