With the NHL trade deadline just five days away, the Edmonton Oilers are taking decisive action to increase roster flexibility and improve their chances in the remaining season. On Sunday, the team placed forward Andrew Mangiapane and defenseman Alec Regula on waivers as part of their preparations.
Details Surrounding Mangiapane’s Waiver Placement
The decision to put Andrew Mangiapane on waivers follows unsuccessful efforts by the Oilers to trade the winger. Despite actively seeking a new team for the 29-year-old since the Christmas break, his full no-move clause has made it difficult to finalize any deals. The Oilers are hopeful that by exposing Mangiapane to waivers, they might open new opportunities for him or create roster flexibility.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman commented on the situation, saying,
“I think there is an understanding there that if the Oilers could find something for Mangiapane with another team, where he might have a bigger role, he would be willing to waive,”
and added,
“If another situation can be found, I think Mangiapane would be willing to look at it.”
Mangiapane’s Recent Career Path and Performance Challenges
Mangiapane became an unrestricted free agent last offseason after the Washington Capitals chose not to re-sign him. The Oilers signed him to a two-year contract worth $7.2 million, hoping to bolster their forward depth as they push toward a third consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance. However, the winger, a native of Toronto, Ontario, has struggled to find his role on the team.
To date, Mangiapane has scored 14 points in 52 games, with 7 goals and 7 assists, marking the lowest production of his full NHL seasons. His on-ice metrics have been concerning as well, with the Oilers posting a 47.8 expected goals percentage and a minus-17 goal differential at five-on-five while he is playing, the worst on the team.
Roster Implications and Potential Salary Cap Relief
By placing Mangiapane on waivers, the Oilers allow other teams to claim him directly. If unclaimed, Edmonton could assign him to their minor league affiliate, which would free up $1.15 million of his $3.6 million cap hit. This financial relief could provide important flexibility as the trade deadline approaches and the Oilers look to make strategic roster adjustments.
Other Waiver Moves Across the League
Mangiapane is not the only player placed on waivers recently. Alongside Oilers defenseman Alec Regula, teams such as the Vancouver Canucks, St. Louis Blues, and Florida Panthers have also exposed players to waivers, including Guillaume Brisebois, Robby Fabbri, and Luke Kunin respectively. Friedman noted the list on Twitter:
“Waivers today: Mangiapane & Regula (EDM) Brisebois (VAN) Fabbri (STL) Kunin (FLA).”
Possible Outcomes and Future Considerations
As the trade deadline approaches, Edmonton’s placement of Andrew Mangiapane on waivers reflects the team’s cautious and strategic approach in addressing performance struggles and roster depth. Whether another team, such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, claims him remains to be seen. If unclaimed, the Oilers could retain Mangiapane in their system while gaining cap space to pursue other reinforcements. These decisions are crucial for Edmonton as they continue their pursuit of another deep playoff run led by Connor McDavid and company.
The #Oilers have placed defenceman Alec Regula & forward Andrew Mangiapane on waivers.
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) March 1, 2026
Waivers today:
Mangiapane & Regula (EDM)
Brisebois (VAN)
Fabbri (STL)
Kunin (FLA)— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 1, 2026
