On Wednesday night, Andrew Mangiapane was traded from the Edmonton Oilers to the Chicago Blackhawks in a surprising move involving multiple players and draft picks. The Oilers sent Mangiapane along with a conditional 2027 first-round pick to Chicago in exchange for forwards Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach. This deal follows Mangiapane’s recent two-year, $7.2 million contract signed with Edmonton during the previous summer.
Financial and Contractual Elements of the Trade
Edmonton’s conditional first-round draft pick is protected if it falls within the top 12. An added detail of the transaction is Chicago’s agreement to retain 50 percent of Jason Dickinson’s $4.25 million salary. Mangiapane had to waive his no-trade clause to enable this transfer, after being waived and reassigned to the AHL earlier in the season.
Mangiapane’s Performance and Challenges with the Oilers
The 29-year-old winger struggled to find his footing this season, contributing only 14 points (7 goals, 7 assists) over 52 games. Edmonton’s overall performance metrics with Mangiapane on the ice reflected difficulties, as the team posted a 47.8 percent expected goals share and was outscored 38-21, resulting in a minus-17 differential—the worst on the team.
New Players Joining the Oilers and Their Roles
Jason Dickinson, a 30-year-old forward and potential unrestricted free agent in July, has scored 13 points this season (6 goals, 7 assists) in 47 games. Known for his 22-goal peak season previously, Dickinson is expected to offer Edmonton an affordable option for their bottom-six forward group. Alongside him, Colton Dach, a 23-year-old Alberta native, is completing his first full NHL season after splitting time with Chicago and the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs last year. Drafted in the second round of the 2021 NHL Draft, Dach has tallied nine points (3 goals, 6 assists) in 53 games this year.
Cap Space Adjustments and Future Prospects for the Oilers
Along with the trade, Edmonton placed Lazar on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), which has adjusted their salary cap situation. Following these moves, the Oilers maintain $475,000 in LTIR cap space with a roster comprising 22 active players plus Janmark and Lazar on LTIR. This maneuver leaves Edmonton roughly $2 million in playground cap space ahead of the trade deadline on Friday, enabling potential future acquisitions to strengthen their depth.
Implications of the Trade and What Lies Ahead
This trade signals Edmonton’s intent to recalibrate their roster and address on-ice struggles by bringing in fresh options while managing their salary cap strategically. For Chicago, acquiring Mangiapane and a future first-round pick represents an investment in a player with previous proven scoring ability, hoping a change of scenery will revive his production. The move could shift dynamics for both teams as they approach the critical playoff phase, with Edmonton likely exploring further adjustments to enhance their competitiveness.
TRADE 🔄 The #Oilers have acquired forwards Jason Dickinson & Colton Dach from the Blackhawks in exchange for forward Andrew Mangiapane & a conditional 2027 first-round draft pick. Chicago will retain 50% of Dickinson's $4.25 million salary. pic.twitter.com/PlZuyBACjE
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) March 5, 2026
As part of trading Mangiapane for Dickinson & Dach, #LetsgoOilers added Lazar to LTIR.
After the trade & LTIR move, they have $475K cap space remaining in LTIR with 22 active players (13F/7D/2G) + Janmark/Lazar LTIR.
If the projected roster for their next game dressed in…
— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) March 5, 2026
