Looking for Today’s Top Edmonton News? Here Are 5 Things You Should Know for February 25

Good morning, Edmonton. Today is Wednesday, February 25, 2026. This morning’s briefing covers critical legal proceedings in a high-profile national trial, the return of the Edmonton Oilers to regular-season play, and significant changes to the local coaching staff and trade roster discussions.

Here are the five news stories you need to know today.

1. Sixth Complainant Testifies in Frank Stronach Sexual Assault Trial

The sexual assault trial of billionaire Frank Stronach continues today, Wednesday, February 25, 2026, in a Toronto courtroom. The sixth of seven complainants is scheduled to take the stand to provide testimony regarding allegations against the 93-year-old founder of Magna International.

Stronach faces 13 charges, including rape, indecent assault, and sexual assault. The incidents described in the trial allegedly took place between 1977 and 2024. The sixth complainant’s testimony follows a week of evidence from other women who have detailed various interactions with the businessman over several decades.

The defense has maintained that the encounters were either consensual or did not occur as described. Because of the high-profile nature of the defendant and the scale of the business interests involved, the trial has drawn significant national attention. Legal experts note that the testimony of the final two complainants will be pivotal as the crown nears the end of its case.

2. Edmonton Oilers Resume Play Against Anaheim Ducks Tonight

The Edmonton Oilers return to the ice tonight for their first game following the 2026 Olympic break. The team faces the Anaheim Ducks at the Honda Center in California, with puck drop scheduled for 8:30 p.m. MT.

This game marks the beginning of the final stretch of the regular season. The Oilers currently have 22 games remaining on their schedule. Fans can view the broadcast on Sportsnet West or listen to the live play-by-play on the Oilers Radio Network, 880 CHED.

The matchup against the Ducks is the first of a multi-game road trip. Team officials confirmed that players who participated in the Olympic games have rejoined the roster in Anaheim. The coaching staff held a full practice session on Tuesday afternoon to re-integrate the lineup before tonight's contest.

3. Leon Draisaitl Clarifies Comments on Team Accountability

Following a team practice session this week, Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl addressed recent media reports concerning his comments on team accountability and coaching. Draisaitl stated on Tuesday that his previous remarks were intended to highlight collective responsibility rather than criticize individual coaching decisions.

"I am not throwing anyone under the bus," Draisaitl said during a media scrum. He emphasized that the roster needs to raise its overall performance level to secure a favorable position in the Western Conference standings. The team currently faces a tight race for playoff seeding as the March schedule approaches.

The clarification follows a period of inconsistent play before the Olympic break, which led to public speculation regarding the relationship between the veteran core and the coaching staff. Draisaitl noted that the locker room focus remains on consistency and defensive execution in the final 22 games of the season.

4. Paul Coffey Returns to Coaching Staff to Address Defensive Gaps

The Edmonton Oilers organization announced that Hall of Fame defenseman Paul Coffey has officially rejoined the coaching staff. The move was finalized during the Olympic break as the team looked to address recent defensive struggles and a declining penalty-kill percentage.

Coffey previously served on the coaching staff from 2023 to 2025. During that tenure, the Oilers maintained a goals-against average of 2.78, which ranked as the fifth-best mark in the National Hockey League. Since his departure, the team’s defensive metrics have fluctuated, leading management to seek his return.

Coffey will work primarily with the defensive pairings and the power-play units. His return coincides with a period where the Oilers have allowed an average of 3.4 goals per game over their last ten matchups. The organization expects his technical expertise to stabilize the blue line ahead of the trade deadline and the postseason.

5. Oilers Target Defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen as Trade Deadline Approaches

With the NHL trade deadline set for March 6, 2026, reports indicate the Edmonton Oilers are actively pursuing Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen. The Oilers are seeking a right-shot defenseman to bolster their depth and provide a physical presence on the back end.

Ristolainen has been the subject of trade discussions involving multiple teams, but sources close to the Flyers suggest Edmonton is a primary suitor. The Oilers' interest stems from a need to improve their defensive zone exits and shot-blocking capabilities.

Current salary cap constraints remain a factor in any potential deal. The Oilers would likely need to move existing contracts or involve a third-party team to retain a portion of Ristolainen’s salary. For more information on how national trade policies can impact broader economic trends, you can read our previous analysis on U.S. trade policy.

Summary of Local Conditions

As Edmonton moves into the final Wednesday of February, local business and sports sectors are focused on the transition out of the mid-winter break. The city’s economic indicators remain steady, though the focus for many residents today remains on the return of professional hockey and the progression of high-profile legal matters in the national news cycle.

For further updates on local developments and digital journalism across Canada, visit the EDMONTON BUREAU. You can also find archived reports and daily news summaries for other major cities, such as the Montreal Daily Roundup.

The next major update for the Edmonton region is expected Thursday morning at 7:00 AM Eastern.