The Edmonton Oilers could be set to make a significant trade in the coming days to help shake up their roster. The reigning Western Conference champions currently sit third in the Pacific Division after a fairly slow start to the season. Much of the team’s struggles have been attributed to their shaky defense and goaltending. Injuries, however, have also played a role in Edmonton’s troubles.
Nevertheless, the Oilers are finally starting to get healthy again and could soon have a surplus of forwards. On top of having a fairly full roster, Edmonton also has two highly-rated youngsters waiting in the wings with its AHL affiliate. Isaac Howard and Quinn Hutson are both excelling with the Bakersfield Condors at the moment. Howard has 20 points in 15 games with the team, while Hutson has 30 points, including 17 goals, in 25 matchups.
According to hockey insider Elliotte Friedman, Oilers management wants to give both prospects more playing time in the NHL. To do so, Edmonton will likely have to trade at least one current player to make room. Friedman named a specific veteran that could make way for the duo on his 32 Thoughts podcast
“We’re in a situation where there’s going to be some extra bodies,” explained Friedman. “I understand that one of the names that could possibly be affected by this is going to be Andrew Mangiapane. [He] started the year in a bigger role, and lately he’s struggled to find both ice time and consistency.”
Andrew Mangiapane’s Ice Time with the Edmonton Oilers has Significantly Decreased in Recent Games
GettyAndrew Mangiapane has struggled in his first season with the Edmonton Oilers.
Mangiapane signed a two-year, $7.2 million contract with the Oilers ahead of the 2025-26 season. His $3.6 million AAV was seen as a solid team contract considering he posted 68 points in his last two campaigns. However, the forward has just 11 points in his first 39 games with Edmonton. Mangiapane also has a team-worst -16 rating on the season.
Because of his decline, Mangiapane’s ice time has dwindled in recent weeks. In fact, he has not been on the ice for more than 13:02 in any of his last 10 matchups. This includes three games in which head coach Kris Knoblauch gave Mangiapane less than 10 minutes on the ice.
The reduction in ice time has coincided with Mangiapane dropping down in Edmonton’s pecking order. The veteran even recently featured on the fourth line alongside Adam Henrique and Curtis Lazar during practice on December 28.
Mangiapane Could Opt to Waive Clause in Contract to Move out of Edmonton
Mangiapane’s current contract with the Oilers features a full no-trade clause. According to Friedman, this particular stipulation is in place until June of 2026. Although this would seemingly mean that the forward is set to stay put in Edmonton, he may be willing to waive the clause to receive more playing time.
Friedman also pointed out that Mangiapane’s situation is somewhat similar to that of other recently traded stars. Veterans Phillip Danault and Mason Marchment were both dealt by their now former teams to get a change of scenery and more playing time. The Oilers could even look at how the Seattle Kraken received a boost after dealing Marchment. Seattle has won four consecutive games since trading the veteran to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Oilers Linked with Bold Trade to Shake Up Roster appeared first on Heavy Sports.