Plenty of NHL squads continuing their pursuit for the postseason look to add depth at the center position ahead of Friday’s 3 p.m. EST trade deadline.
Amongst the teams poking around are the Edmonton Oilers. While Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are cemented as the Oilers’ one-two punch, an additional role player at the position could pose as a key addition.
Oilers Kicking Tires on Multiple Toronto Forwards
For the Toronto Maple Leafs, the 2025-26 season has not gone to plan. Currently nine points outside the playoff picture, it is likely that general manager Brad Treliving and Leafs brass play the role of sellers at this year’s deadline.
One of Toronto’s more versatile forwards, Nicolas Roy, is a name plenty of teams have allegedly inquired about.
During the “The Leafs Nation” podcast, Nick Alberga asked insider David Pagnotta to weigh in on the plethora of interest in Roy, specifically from Edmonton.
“About a month ago, I mentioned that Roy and OEL (Oliver Ekman-Larsson) are guys that the Oilers are looking at or fit what they’re looking at specifically,” said Pagnotta. “Lo and behold, those are the guys they’ve been looking at.”
Nicolas Roy has emerged in recent days as a legit target for multiple buyers. #LeafsForever@TheFourthPeriod | @TLNdc | @DailyFaceoff
Edmonton is in. Vegas had interest before landing Cole Smith. Buffalo — plus others — are also poking around. đź‘€ pic.twitter.com/Ly8FHrmvrE
— Nick Alberga (@thegoldenmuzzy) March 4, 2026
Pagnotta continued, stating that Edmonton acquired its desired defenseman, Connor Murphy, in a Monday deal that sent a second-round pick to Chicago.
“They made their move on the D by bringing in Connor Murphy,” said Pagnotta. “I think both Roy and [Scott] Laughton are two guys they have interest in. How far along that goes, we’ll have to wait and see.”
Oilers forward Andrew Mangiapane has underperformed thus far in 2025-26, potentially prompting his exit from Edmonton and opening the door for other deals. The ninth-year pro was placed on waivers Sunday.
“They’re still trying to find a home for Andrew Mangiapane to free up extra cap space,” said Pagnotta. “They have a little bit of leeway now, they got an extra $1.5 million out of it that allowed them to make the Murphy trade along with [Mattias] Janmark going on LTIR (long-term injured reserve).”
Pagnotta continued, “They wanna free up the rest of that, or more of that, at least another million, to make some other type of move.”
Janmark is set to miss the remainder of the season for Edmonton, placing the team just over $2 million under the $95 million cap. If a deal with Toronto were to occur, dissolving the remaining cap would be essential.
Pagnotta mentions that Toronto holds all three retention slots, meaning they can retain on a contract if they choose.
“They’ve got the money, and they’ve got the space to do it if it means we’re gonna maximize our return on these guys,” said Pagnotta. “They got three guys they can do that with.
“If you’re Edmonton, and you’re right up against the cap, you got $200,000 in space, it’s a lot easier to free up another $6-700,00 or less to bring on, let’s say Scott Laughton at $775,000 if the Leafs eat half of his $1.5 [million] right now. It makes it appealing to the Oilers, it makes it appealing to other teams too.”
The insider followed up, discussing Roy’s contract and how the Oilers may be able to split it this season and take on the remaining amount next season. Similarly, the Oilers have shown interest in Leafs forward Bobby McMann, who carries a lighter $1.3 million cap hit.
As Edmonton appears eager to make a deal, will they be able to manage the cap and properly acquire the depth they desire?
