Hockey

Eduards Tralmaks Signs with Oilers, Eyeing NHL Breakthrough After AHL Success

by
Richard Hayes
July 7, 2026

The Edmonton Oilers have made a strategic addition to their roster, signing depth forward Eduards Tralmaks to a one-year, two-way contract worth $850,000. This move, though subtle, has not gone unnoticed by Detroit Red Wings fans, as it marks a significant opportunity for the 29-year-old winger to finally break into the NHL after a lengthy career in the minor leagues.

During a recent episode of his podcast, 32 Thoughts, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman discussed the implications of Tralmaks’ signing, particularly under the guidance of new Oilers head coach Mike Babcock. Known for his successful tenure with the Red Wings, where he clinched a Stanley Cup in 2008, Babcock has a reputation for nurturing depth players and transforming them into key contributors at the highest level. This coaching approach could be just what Tralmaks needs to carve out a regular role in the NHL.

Tralmaks showcased his potential last season with the Grand Rapids Griffins, where he notched an impressive 26 goals and 16 assists, totaling 42 points in 64 AHL games. His performance helped propel the Griffins to a record-breaking 51-win season in just 72 games, and he finished fourth on the team in scoring. Despite earning emergency recalls and practicing with the Red Wings, Tralmaks never saw game action in the NHL, remaining strictly a minor-league player during his time with the organization.

His stock has further risen thanks to a standout performance at the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, where he emerged as one of Latvia’s top players. Tralmaks scored three goals and contributed an assist, averaging a point per game across four matches, with many of his goals being pivotal in the tournament.

As he transitions to Edmonton, Tralmaks is poised for an extended opportunity to impress. The Oilers are eager to break through after reaching the Western Conference Finals twice in the last three seasons. With Babcock at the helm, Tralmaks’ journey from the AHL to the NHL may finally come to fruition.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.

Richard Hayes

Richard Hayes is the go-to writer for all things soccer at 21Sports.com. His international perspective and in-depth knowledge of the game have made him a trusted voice in the industry. Richard’s experience covering major leagues around the world allows him to offer unique insights that resonate with both casual fans and die-hard enthusiasts. When not covering matches, Richard enjoys coaching youth soccer in his community.