The Edmonton Oilers remain near the top of the Pacific Division, trailing only Vegas, but questions about roster fit continue to surface. Offense drives most of their success, while defensive issues are costing them games against lower-placed teams.
As the season progresses, small changes could make a significant difference in addressing the team’s weaknesses. That has brought trade talk back into focus.
NHL Insider Links Oilers’ $7.2M Winger to Sharks and Others in Growing Trade Buzz
Edmonton boasts a strong record and has performed well on most nights, thanks to consistent scoring and a productive power play. Connor McDavid continues to lead the way, and the Oilers often respond well after losses. Even so, defensive lapses have cost them points and kept games closer than needed. Those factors prompt management to consider possible roster adjustments.
One player getting attention is Andrew Mangiapane, a depth winger whose role has dropped this season. Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman discussed Mangiapane’s situation on Oilers Now, explaining how his usage has changed in Edmonton.”I think there are teams that have kicked around, I think Winnipeg’s kicked around; Anaheim; San Jose; I’ve heard it’s gonna happen, I just can’t give you an exact time,” Friedman said. His comments suggested growing interest and the belief that a move could be coming.
San Jose stands out as a possible landing spot. The Sharks sit fourth in the Pacific Division and have shown evident progress this season. They are a rebuilding team around star rookie forward Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. Offense led by Celebrini has powered many of the team’s wins, and they have stayed in the playoff picture. Even with limited cap space, San Jose continues to explore ways to strengthen the lineup.
Anaheim also remains in the mix, primarily due to its cap situation. The Ducks started strong but have struggled to find consistency in midseason. Young players also drive their offense, but defensive lapses and penalty-kill problems have slowed their surge. With significant cap room ($23,937,765 per Puck Pedia), Anaheim has the flexibility to take on a contract if the fit makes sense.
Winnipeg has also been mentioned as a team monitoring the situation. The Jets, who won the Presidents’ Trophy last season, sit near the bottom of the Central Division because of a lack of offense. While Mark Scheifele leads the team in points, defensive issues and a struggling special teams unit have hurt the team’s results. Their cap space is limited, but the need for change is present.
Mangiapane is under a two-year, $7.2 million contract with a $3.6 million cap hit and has settled into a depth role with the Edmonton Oilers at the age of 29. Through 42 games, he has five goals and six assists for 11 points, with a minus rating of 18.
Drafted 166th overall by Calgary in 2015, he has had success in an in-depth scoring role after scoring 35 goals in the 2021-22 season. However, since that season, his scoring has dropped to just 14 goals last season. An increase in playing time and a trade could give him a better fit while helping the Oilers fine-tune a roster built to contend.