The Edmonton Oilers have been active in the trade market, making two notable acquisitions: defenceman Jake Walman from the San Jose Sharks and forward Trent Frederic from the Boston Bruins. These moves are aimed at strengthening the team's lineup as they push for a playoff spot. Walman, a 29-year-old left-shot blueliner, has had a career-high season with 32 points in 50 games, including six goals and 26 assists. His addition to the Oilers' defense is expected to provide a significant boost.

The trade for Walman involved the Oilers sending a conditional first-round draft pick in 2026 and forward Carl Berglund to the Sharks. If the Oilers' first-round selection in 2026 is in the top 12, they may choose to transfer their 2027 first-round pick to San Jose instead. This move indicates the Oilers' commitment to enhancing their current roster for a potential playoff run. On the other hand, the acquisition of Trent Frederic from the Bruins, along with Max Jones, saw the Oilers involve the New Jersey Devils as a third-party facilitator. The Devils retained 50% of Frederic's salary, and the transaction included draft picks and prospects.

With these trades, the Oilers are positioning themselves for a strong playoff push. Frederic, despite being on injured reserve with a lower-body injury, is expected to contribute significantly once he returns, offering physical scoring and depth to the team. The Bruins, on the other hand, are looking to capitalize on the trade market, having made a strong start with the Frederic deal. They are considering listening to offers for other players, including Brandon Carlo and Charlie Coyle, as they aim to retool for the future while still attempting to make a playoff run this season. The NHL trade deadline is set to be a pivotal moment for several teams, including the Oilers and Bruins, as they navigate the complex landscape of trades, draft picks, and playoff aspirations.