Welcome to another edition of NHL rumours here at Last Word On Hockey. This edition will focus on rumours surrounding the Edmonton Oilers and their upcoming plans.

The NHL roster freeze is over, and several teams have made use, with five teams placing a total of six players on waivers.

Each Monday throughout the 2025-26 NHL season, ESPN and NHL Network analyst Kevin Weekes will provide fans with a guide of games that will be nationally televised. Today, a look at games for the 13th week of the regular season.

The Pacific Division-leading Edmonton Oilers (20-14-6, 46 points) open a three-game homestand on New Year’s Eve with three wins in their last four games as they host the streaky Boston Bruins (20-18-2,

Since trading Stuart Skinner, Edmonton has received excellent goaltending, no matter who’s in net. I prefer five-on-five save percentage in evaluating goalies, as it’s a level playing field and is the largest game state. Here’s a look at five-on-five save percentages in the nine games.

The Edmonton Oilers have also rocked the NHL trade and waiver scene by putting forward David Tomasek and Noah Philp on waivers. Tomasek will likely have his contract terminated, and Philp will still be able to be taken by another team.

Speaking of the Flyers, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported last Saturday that they're in contract talks with Christian Dvorak. The 29-year-old center joined them last summer on a one-year, $5.4 million deal. Because he's on that one-year contract, the earliest he can sign an extension is Jan. 1.

December is a pivotal month in the NHL. While the midpoint of the schedule hasn’t quite arrived, there have been more than enough games for teams to get a sense of their strengths and weaknesses, and potential for success moving forward.

The Takeover Tour will stop at Hamilton, Ontario for the first time on Saturday when the Toronto Sceptres and Torrent face off. The tour will also return to Detroit on Saturday night when the Boston Fleet and Goldeneyes meet at Little Caesars Arena.