Edmonton Oilers forward Mattias Janmark is set to have surgery on Wednesday and will miss the rest of the regular season, according to NHL insider David Pagnotta. This development comes as a significant setback for the team, which is currently third in the Pacific Division and approaching the March 6 trade deadline.
Janmark had been an important part of the Oilers’ bottom-six forwards, often assigned heavy defensive responsibilities and serving as a key player on the penalty kill before his injury sidelined him. The Swedish winger last appeared on the ice on February 26 against the Anaheim Ducks, where he played only 2 minutes and 30 seconds before exiting early in the first period.
Following that game, head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed Janmark would be out long-term due to a chronic injury requiring rest. Surgery now appears to be the necessary solution, effectively ruling him out for the remainder of the campaign.
“As I mentioned on the show about 15 mins ago, I’m told #LetsGoOilers forward Mattias Janmark is having surgery on Wednesday and is out for the rest of the regular season.” ?David Pagnotta, NHL Insider
The specific details of Janmark’s injury have not been officially disclosed, but team insiders suggest it may involve a shoulder issue that necessitates surgery. Regardless of the exact nature, it is clear his return this season is highly unlikely.
Consequences for Edmonton’s Roster and Strategy
Up through 43 games, Janmark had contributed eight points, consisting of one goal and seven assists, while fulfilling a crucial defensive role on Edmonton’s third and fourth lines. His impact extended beyond scoring; his ability to neutralize opponents and anchor penalty kills made him a valuable asset in key defensive situations.
Coach Kris Knoblauch now faces a difficult challenge in replacing Janmark’s defensive expertise and penalty-kill presence. Replacing a player who excels in such specialized matchups mid-season is rarely straightforward.
Janmark is currently under a three-year contract signed in July 2024, worth $1.45 million annually, which runs through the 2026-27 season. With Janmark expected to miss the remainder of 2025-26, the Oilers plan to place him on Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) to manage the salary cap implications.
The absence of this seasoned forward introduces uncertainty to the Oilers’ bottom-six lineup, a vital component for teams with playoff ambitions. To compensate, Edmonton has already recalled prospects Ike Howard and Josh Samanski from the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors, aiming to bolster the defensive depth.
Outlook for the Remaining Season
Janmark’s injury highlights the fragility of roster depth as the Oilers navigate a competitive Western Conference. Losing a reliable defensive forward complicates the team’s strategic options during the final stretch before the trade deadline. The Oilers may need to explore internal promotions or consider external trades to fill the void left by Janmark’s absence, particularly to sustain effective penalty killing and defensive zone coverage.
As the regular season progresses, Edmonton’s ability to adapt without Janmark will be crucial in maintaining their strong position in the Pacific Division and securing playoff positioning. The team’s handling of this setback will likely influence their tactical decisions leading into the final weeks of the schedule and beyond.
As I mentioned on the show about 15 mins ago, I'm told #LetsGoOilers forward Mattias Janmark is having surgery on Wednesday and is out for the rest of the regular season. https://t.co/UFYJjTLdgK
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) March 2, 2026
