With the Olympic trade freeze now lifted, NHL teams have fewer than 10 days to reshape their rosters before the March 6 trade deadline. The Oilers are firmly in buyer mode, hoping to strengthen their lineup for a deep playoff run.
However, one deal they explored recently didn’t materialize. Edmonton reportedly tried, but failed, to move a $7.2 million winger to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Oilers Attempt To Send $7.2 Million Forward Falls Through
The Oilers currently sit second in the Pacific Division with a 28-22-8 record. However, they dropped three straight games before the Olympic break, allowing teams like the Seattle Kraken and Anaheim Ducks to creep closer in the standings. With both clubs just a point back and holding games in hand, the pressure is mounting in Edmonton.
Looking to create flexibility, the Oilers explored moving forward with Andrew Mangiapane. According to NHL insider Nick Kypreos, Edmonton approached Toronto about a potential swap. “The Oilers were prepared to send Mangiapane to Toronto for Matias Maccelli, but the feeling is the Leafs weren’t too interested in it,” Kypreos said.
One reason the Maple Leafs may have passed on the deal is that they’re likely waiting until closer to the trade deadline to decide their direction, especially with the team currently sitting near the bottom of the Atlantic Division.
Kypreos added that Edmonton’s motivation was largely financial. “The Oilers would be looking to trade Mangiapane just for the extra cap space his departure would create, so we shouldn’t expect the return to be much.”
Mangiapane signed a two-year, $7.2 million contract last summer, carrying a $3.6 million annual cap hit. He holds a full no-trade clause this season, which shifts to a five-team-approved trade list next year.
But his role in Edmonton has gradually shrunk. He’s been scratched seven times and is averaging just 12:42 of ice time when in the lineup. Production has also dipped. Through 49 games, Mangiapane has recorded just 6 goals and 12 points, underwhelming numbers for a middle-six forward at that salary.
“It just hasn’t worked out between the Oilers and Mangiapane,” Kypreos said. “And it’s not believed that his no-trade clause would get in the way of much, as he also would like to try it somewhere else.”
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With things clearly not clicking, there’s a growing sense that both sides would welcome a fresh start. Around the league, the belief is that Mangiapane would be willing to waive his no-trade clause if it helps facilitate a move.
With the deadline fast approaching, it remains to be seen whether the Oilers will find a trade partner willing to take on Mangiapane’s contract. For now, attention turns back to the ice. The Oilers are back in action on Wednesday against the Ducks.
