The Edmonton Oilers signed Andrew Mangiapane to a two-year contract worth $3.6 million per year in the offseason, but his on-ice output has prompted the team to explore trading him. With only 12 points recorded in 49 games this season and frequent healthy scratches, both the club and Mangiapane appear open to a change despite his no-movement clause potentially complicating any deal. Rumors are widespread that the Oilers will move the forward before the NHL trade deadline arrives.
Trade Discussions Active Amid Salary Cap Challenges
Industry sources such as OilersNation, Cult of Hockey from the Edmonton Journal, Pro Hockey Rumors, and NHL insiders Frank Seravalli and David Pagnotta are closely tracking the possibility of a trade involving Mangiapane. The Fourth Period reports that the Oilers continue negotiations with several teams but have yet to finalize a deal. Salary cap restrictions and the need to use Mangiapane’s contract to facilitate a corresponding move are factors delaying the trade.
Frank Seravalli noted on Frankly Hockey that the Oilers
cannot make a trade deadline acquisition between now and Friday without first moving him.
This move could free approximately $3 million in cap space for the current and next season. Seravalli emphasized that the lack of agreement so far is not due to a lack of effort. The Oilers have faced challenges trying to offload the contract and may need to attach an additional asset to facilitate a trade, although they are trying to avoid that situation.
Potential Trade Partners and Latest Developments
Earlier rumors linked Mangiapane to teams such as the Winnipeg Jets, Ottawa Senators, St. Louis Blues, Boston Bruins, and Vancouver Canucks. Recent reports indicate that as the Oilers pursue defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, Mangiapane may be included in that transaction. No trade has been officially confirmed, and some expected moves during the Olympic break did not materialize. However, with the trade freeze now lifted, momentum is growing for potential activity involving Mangiapane.
