The Edmonton Oilers have made a significant roster move, acquiring center Jason Dickinson and forward Colton Dach from the Chicago Blackhawks while trading away forward Andrew Mangiapane, along with a 2027 first-round draft pick. General Manager Stan Bowman completed the deal this week to strengthen the Oilers’ defensive corps as the team aims to bolster its lineup ahead of the next NHL season.
Jason Dickinson: A Defensive Asset to Support the Oilers’ Stanley Cup Aspirations
Jason Dickinson may not fit the prototype of an elite third-line center desired by many fans, but his value lies in his exceptional defensive capabilities. Ranked 12th among NHL centers in even-strength defensive Wins Above Replacement (WAR), Dickinson provides solid defensive coverage that the Oilers have needed. His skill set is less about offensive production and more about shutting down top opposing forwards, an area where Edmonton has struggled recently.
According to advanced analytics, Dickinson operates at a near Selke Trophy level on defense, competing against some of the league’s best first-line centers. His defensive numbers place him in the 97th percentile for performance versus difficulty, making him a bargain for Edmonton given his contract terms and low offensive output. His effectiveness in preventing net-front chances and limiting quality scoring opportunities on the right side of the rink could be a pivotal addition to the Oilers’ defensive strategy.
This defensive prowess is particularly crucial after recent games where Edmonton conceded costly goals, such as those by Ottawa Senators forward Drake Batherson. Dickinson’s presence is expected to solidify the Oilers’ center depth, complementing recent acquisition Connor Murphy and addressing gaps that jeopardized the team’s defensive stability.
Colton Dach: A Physical Prospect with Room to Develop
Alongside Dickinson, the Oilers acquired Colton Dach, a 23-year-old forward from St. Albert with a notable hockey background. Dach belongs to a family deeply embedded in hockey, including his older brother Kirby, a former Blackhawk now with the Montreal Canadiens, and his sister Callie, who competes in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference. This lineage highlights Dach’s potential, which Edmonton hopes to cultivate.
Although not a high-profile offensive talent—drafted 62nd overall in 2021—Dach has distinguished himself through physicality, ranking 10th in the NHL this season with 189 hits. Edmonton has lacked consistent physical presence since the departure of players like Evander Kane and Corey Perry. Even with forward Zach Hyman still on the roster, the team’s hitters this season have been limited, making Dach’s aggressive style a welcome addition.
With the Oilers’ offensive strength, Dach’s gritty play and youthful potential could thrive as he approaches his prime years. His role is expected to add an important edge to the team’s forward group, helping balance skill with toughness.
The End of Andrew Mangiapane’s Challenging Chapter in Edmonton
Andrew Mangiapane’s tenure with the Oilers proved difficult and underwhelming. After joining Edmonton following strong seasons with the Calgary Flames, expectations were that he would provide reliable secondary scoring. Instead, the 2025–26 season saw him struggle with inconsistent performance, frequent lineup changes, and ultimately a demotion to the AHL after being waived.
Mangiapane logged 52 games for Edmonton, tallying just 14 points (seven goals, seven assists), falling far below the standards he set earlier in his career. By comparison, in his rookie season with Calgary in 2018–19, he posted 13 points in only 44 games. His inability to settle into the Oilers’ system or sustain offensive production led to this outcome, reflecting either a poor fit with the team or ineffective utilization by the coaching staff.
This trade, though involving a protected first-round pick for 2027, allows the Oilers to move on from Mangiapane and focus on bolstering their roster with players aligned with their competitive goals. The top-12 protection on the pick safeguards Edmonton’s future assets while giving them immediate help on defense and forward physicality.
The Broader Impact: Addressing Oilers’ Defensive Needs and Building for the Future
Stan Bowman’s recent transactions reflect a strategic shift toward addressing Edmonton’s defensive vulnerabilities. By acquiring Jason Dickinson and Connor Murphy from the Blackhawks and supplementing their lineup with Colton Dach’s physical presence, the Oilers demonstrate a focus on balance rather than chasing high-profile offensive stars. This pragmatic approach aims to shore up weaknesses that have hampered their Stanley Cup ambitions.
Dickinson’s defensive skills, in particular, offer a foundation for the Oilers to limit quality scoring chances against elite competition, which has been a recurring problem. Meanwhile, Dach’s youth and toughness provide a promising element for the future as Edmonton continues to develop its prospect pool. Moving beyond Mangiapane’s disappointing run frees up roster flexibility and reflects an honest appraisal of what the team needs moving forward.
These moves come at a critical juncture when the Oilers must position themselves for sustained postseason success. While the acquisitions may lack glamour, they align with the urgent necessity to solidify the team’s defensive framework. The success of these adjustments will unfold in the coming season, as the Oilers aim to convert potential into tangible playoff progress and eventually contend for the Stanley Cup.
Trade details, per sources:
To #LetsGoOilers:
C Jason Dickinson (50% retained)
F Colton DachTo #Blackhawks:
F Andrew Mangiapane
2027 1st Round PickCondition: 1st round pick is Top 12 protected.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 5, 2026
Jason Dickinson is ranked 12th among Centres in EV defensive WAR.
Edmonton has added two elite defensive players from the Blackhawks. #LetsGoOilers https://t.co/27NmFe84nF pic.twitter.com/wCkl7vzIy8
— Golden Hockey (@GoldenHcky) March 5, 2026
https://twitter.com/TheLineBlender/status/2029351977222799547
https://twitter.com/Senators/status/2029032778713780673
Newest member of the #LetsGoOilers Colton Dach has 189 HITS this season, good for 10th in the entire NHL.
— Klima's Lid (@thackattack41) March 5, 2026
