Oilers' Failed Trade Attempt Highlights NHL Deadline Urgency
The Edmonton Oilers' attempt to trade forward Andrew Mangiapane, valued at $7.2 million, has fallen through, marking one of the first significant signs that the NHL trade season is fully underway. As teams return from the Olympic break, the Oilers find themselves in a strong yet precarious position, with the March 6 deadline looming large.
Pressure Mounts in the Pacific Division
Sitting second in the Pacific Division might look impressive on paper, but the reality for the Oilers is far from comfortable. Three consecutive losses before the break have tightened the playoff race, intensifying the urgency within the front office. There is little desire in Edmonton to remain stagnant, especially with teams like the Seattle Kraken and Anaheim Ducks closing in, making the standings increasingly uneasy.
This period is critical for contenders to act decisively, and the Oilers attempted to do just that. However, their early move to offload Mangiapane's contract never progressed beyond initial discussions, leaving the team scrambling after a collapsed deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Details of the Collapsed Trade
According to insider Nick Kypreos, the Oilers explored sending Andrew Mangiapane to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Matias Maccelli. Unfortunately, the interest was not mutual. "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 revealed.
Toronto's hesitation is understandable given their own uncertain season. With their standings position still in flux, committing to a player with term and significant salary is a complex decision. Waiting offers clarity, while acting prematurely could lead to regret.
Oilers' Motivation: Cap Flexibility Over Performance
For Edmonton, the motivation behind this trade attempt extended beyond Mangiapane's on-ice performance. Flexibility is paramount at this time of year, and Mangiapane's contract carries substantial weight. "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," Kypreos added.
Signed to a two-year deal worth $7.2 million last summer, Mangiapane has struggled to find his footing in Edmonton. He has been a healthy scratch seven times, averaging only 12 minutes and 42 seconds of ice time per game. Through 49 games, he has managed just six goals and 12 points, falling short of expectations for a player expected to bolster the middle of the lineup.
A Mutual Desire for Change
"It just hasn't worked out between the Oilers and Mangiapane," Kypreos stated. "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." This detail is significant, as players often sense when a fit isn't right, and teams across the league believe Mangiapane would cooperate if a new opportunity arises.
For now, no official changes have been made, but the attempt itself has unveiled Edmonton's mindset. The Oilers are actively preparing, watching, and waiting for the right opening. With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, this failed move may only be the beginning of more activity as the team seeks to solidify its playoff position and manage cap space effectively.
