The Edmonton Oilers have seen significant roster movement this offseason, with familiar names departing and new players arriving. Evander Kane was traded to Vancouver, Viktor Arvidsson was sent to Boston, and Corey Perry signed with the Kings. At the same time, the Oilers added Andrew Mangiapane and Curtis Lazar, while also trading for young forward Isaac Howard.
Now, with several injured players set to return, the team finds itself with more players than available roster spots. This has put pressure on general manager Stan Bowman to make roster decisions soon, and one veteran forward may find himself running out of time to secure his place in Edmonton.
Could Mattias Janmark Be the Next Player Moved by the Oilers?
Janmark, 32, has yet to debut this season and is currently on injured reserve. He last played in Game 6 against the Florida Panthers in the 2025 Stanley Cup finals. During that regular season, he performed well, scoring 18 points despite a drop in scoring, with just two goals. He has played solidly this season before being placed on injured reserve.
Janmark is known for his responsible two-way play and is often used in depth roles and penalty-killing situations, where his defensive awareness stands out. A native of Danderyd, Sweden, Janmark was drafted 79th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in 2013. Over the years, he has been a steady bottom-six option for several NHL teams.
The Oilers are expecting Zach Hyman and Janmark to return from injury soon. When that happens, Bowman will have to make room on the roster. Reports suggest he is more likely to explore trades than place players on waivers, which has started talk about who could be moved.
Janmark’s name has been mentioned often in these discussions. He is in the second year of his three-year, $4.35 million deal, which carries a $1.45 million cap hit per season. His contract runs through the 2026–27 season, after which he becomes an unrestricted free agent. Although his defensive play adds value, his limited scoring could make him a trade option as the Oilers try to manage their cap space.
Insiders Frank Seravalli and David Pagnotta have both mentioned Janmark as a possible player to be moved. Defensemen Ty Emberson and Troy Stecher have also been linked to trade talks.
“Emberson and Stecher; Janmark’s name is out there as well, Tomasek, they’ve got some guys that they can potentially move around and juggle to free up additional cap space,” Pagnotta said during his appearance on DFO Rundown on Wednesday.
Earlier on Monday, Seravalli talked about Janmark on Oilers Now and said,
“’I’d be curious to see, has Mattias Janmark run his useful life in Edmonton, is he a guy the Oilers would consider moving?”
The Oilers’ new additions also add to the competition for roster spots. Mangiapane signed a two-year deal after his time in Washington. At the same time, Lazar returned to Edmonton on a one-year contract. Howard, the Hobey Baker Award winner from Michigan State, was added in a trade with Tampa Bay and could push for a forward role this season.
With multiple players returning and the roster already full, a trade seems likely. Moving either Janmark or Stecher would help free both cap space and a roster spot. Bowman’s decision in the coming week or two will likely shape how the Oilers manage their lineup moving forward.
