The Edmonton Oilers appear to be shifting into deadline mode. After returning from the Olympic break with two losses in three games, Edmonton has slipped to third place in the Pacific Division.
With the March 6Â trade deadline fast approaching, the urgency is growing. The Oilers know they need reinforcements if they want to make another deep playoff push, and Sunday’s move suggests management is ready to act.
Waivers Signal Start of Oilers’ Deadline Strategy
Edmonton placed defenseman Alec Regula and forward Andrew Mangiapane on waivers. A decision that could create flexibility ahead of potential trades.
Mangiapane signed a two-year, $7.2 million contract on July 1. He hasn’t found his footing in Edmonton. Through 52 games, he has managed just 7 goals and 7 assists while posting a career-worst minus-19 rating. He has also been a healthy scratch multiple times, a clear sign that things haven’t gone as planned.
Regula’s first season with the Oilers has also been a struggle. The blueliner, signed to a two-year, $1.55 million deal, has recorded 3 assists and a minus-16 rating in 29 games. He recently spent time in the AHL on a conditioning stint as he worked to regain form.
If either player is claimed, Edmonton clears their full cap hits. If they pass through waivers unclaimed, the Oilers could assign them to the minors, saving approximately $1.15 million of Mangiapane’s $3.6 million cap hit and $775,000 from Regula’s deal. That cap relief could prove valuable as the front office explores upgrades.
MORE: Oilers Forward Declares He Doesn’t Want To Be Traded Ahead of NHL Trade Deadline
Defensive Concerns Driving Urgency
Edmonton’s biggest issue this season has been team defense. The Oilers currently rank 26th in the NHL in goals against and 26th on the penalty kill, numbers that won’t cut it in the postseason. Improving the back end appears to be a priority if they hope to contend.
Other players around the league, including Robby Fabbri of the St. Louis Blues, Luke Kunin of the Florida Panthers, and Guillaume Brisebois of the Vancouver Canucks, were also placed on waivers by their respective teams. Signaling league-wide movement as deadline week begins.
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With five days remaining before the deadline, this may just be the first of several moves from Edmonton.
Also, Oilers’ forward Adam Henrique, whose name has surfaced in trade rumors, has made it clear he doesn’t want to be moved and has not told the Oilers he’s willing to waive his no-movement clause. For now, the Oilers turn their attention to Tuesday’s matchup against the Ottawa Senators, but all eyes remain on what management does next.
