- Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl takes brief leave of absence
- Leon Draisaitl, 30, is on a short leave to attend to a family illness in Germany and is expected to return next week. The Oilers were 23-17-8 when the news broke. Draisaitl has 67 points this season (25 goals, 42 assists), ranking second on Edmonton and fifth in the NHL. Coach Kris Knoblauch said the team 'will miss Leon' and asked for privacy.
- Oilers sign Quinn Hutson to two-year extension
- Edmonton signed 24-year-old forward Quinn Hutson to a two-year contract extension with an average annual value of US$875,000. Hutson has led AHL rookies with 38 points in 30 games (23 goals, 15 assists) for the Bakersfield Condors this season. He has appeared in six NHL games and recorded his first NHL point with a game-winning goal on Dec. 18. Hutson signed as an undrafted free agent in April 2025.
- Phase 2 residential parking ban to resume; snow clearing 24/7
- The City of Edmonton reversed a temporary pause and will resume its Phase 2 residential parking ban at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17. Once resumed, residential roadway clearing will continue 24 hours a day. The ban had been paused to let crews focus on school zones, windrow pickup and alley maintenance.
- Melting snow, poor roads raise mobility and safety concerns
- A week of above-freezing temperatures followed by refreeze has left rutted roads, pooled water and ice, creating hazards for drivers and pedestrians. Residents report being unable to leave homes; one cited planning trips a day in advance. The Alberta Motor Association says roadside assistance calls are up four times normal, with about 80% needing full service (tows or winching). Officials worry about emergency vehicle access.
- City invests $480,000 in Chinatown revitalization for 2026
- Edmonton will accept applications for the Chinatown Vibrancy Fund and is investing $480,000 to continue the program into 2026. The city has already spent more than $1 million on 28 community-led projects since 2024. Officials note the area north of downtown has long struggled with social disorder and say the fund supports local revitalization efforts.
- Two seriously injured in pit-bull attack east of Edmonton
- RCMP say two people were seriously injured in an attack by two pit bulls at a home in Vermilion, about 190 km east of Edmonton. The dogs escaped briefly; residents were alerted and the animals were later found with homeowner help. No other injuries were reported.
