The Edmonton Oilers have once again started to struggle after a brief period of relief. They still lead the Pacific Division, but defensive struggles and inconsistent play have made their position less secure. Connor McDavid has been the driving force behind the offense, while goaltending performances like Calvin Pickard’s 41-save game have helped keep the team competitive.
Now, trade talks are drawing attention as the Oilers look to improve depth and balance on the roster.
Why the Anaheim Ducks Could Be a Potential Trade Partner for the Oilers?
On a recent episode of the “32 Thoughts,” podcast, Elliotte Friedman discussed why the Anaheim Ducks could be a potential trade partner for the Oilers. “I did mention Anaheim on Saturday night, and there’s two reasons I mentioned them. Number one, they’ve started to struggle a bit. Like, they have a lot of guys who’ve never gone through this meat grinder before. Really talented team,” Friedman said.
He also noted that Anaheim has experienced players like Radko Gudas, Jacob Trouba, and Chris Kreider, but injuries such as Frank Vatrano being out for a while could create an opening for a veteran winger.
Friedman also talked about a possible swap, saying, “I did have some people who thought that maybe a [Ryan] Strom for [Andrew] Mangiapane deal might make sense. You know, the problem is Strom makes about a million and a half more than Mangiapane, and Edmonton doesn’t have the room to take all that.” He added that Anaheim may want a player who can fill a bottom-six role, which Mangiapane might accept, while Strom may not be a good fit for that role.
Andrew Mangiapane, 29, plays left wing for Edmonton and was drafted 166th overall by Calgary in 2015. He is on a two-year, $7.2 million contract with a $3.6 million annual cap hit.
This season, he has five goals and six assists in 40 games, totaling 11 points with a minus-17 rating. Mangiapane was a healthy scratch on Dec. 29 against the Jets, which has fueled more trade speculation. His role and production have decreased, and a move could give him a larger opportunity elsewhere.
Both Edmonton and Anaheim could benefit from a trade. The Oilers could create cap space and move a player who isn’t producing at his usual level, while the Ducks could add a veteran to help guide younger players through a tough season. Friedman’s insight suggests that timing, team needs, and salary all play a role, making Anaheim a realistic option if a trade were to happen.
As the season progresses, the Oilers seek ways to remain competitive. With McDavid leading the offense and possible roster moves ahead, Edmonton is focused on improving consistency while maintaining its position in the Pacific Division.
