Hot Links: Wednesday, November 25

Morning, folks.

A big part of me wants to discuss things that are above the Oilers, what with everything going on and with yesterday providing a crystal clear example of the UCP and its leadership’s aggressive incompetence. But, perhaps you came here strictly for the Oilers. Perhaps you’re looking for an escape from the grim reality that Alberta is now losing about a Humboldt bus crash’s worth of people EVERY DAY, with that number likely to climb further before it stops. I get that. I’m sorry.

Please do what you can to keep yourself, your family, and your communities safe. If you’re in a position to stay home, do so for those who cannot. Please.

In actual Oilers news — or at least Oilers-adjacent — the NHL and NHLPA haven’t spoken since last week. Is the season actually in jeopardy? Is there a chance that the most recent ask from the NHL is a bridge too far for the players? One thing I think we can (almost) say for sure? January is looking extremely unlikely.

2020 Copper & Blue Top 25 Under 25: #18 Olivier Rodrigue (Copper and Blue)

Hot Links: Tuesday, November 24 (Copper and Blue)

McDavid & Matthews Make Great Competitors Despite Being Friends Off Ice (Sportsnet)

Breaking The Wand? (Lowetide)

Nicholson Hopes World Juniors Can Boost Morale During Uncertain Times (Sportsnet)

Multiple Team Canada Players Test Postive For COVID-19 (Oilersnation)

Oilers’ Holland And Lowe Part Of Extended Hall Of Fame Class (Sun)

Top 10 Edmonton Oilers Prospects (Oil Knight)

Will A New Partner Help Mike Smith? (Oilersnation)

At Random: No Chance It’s January (Oilersnation)

Down Goes Brown: The Bizarro-meter’s Western Conference offseason rankings (Athletic)