Full Breakdown
Edmonton Oilers Place Andrew Mangiapane on Waivers Ahead of Trade Deadline
3/2/2026, 1:01:22 PM
Context of the Move
As the NHL trade deadline approaches on March 6, 2026, the Edmonton Oilers are actively seeking to improve their roster amid a challenging season. The team has placed forward Andrew Mangiapane and defenseman Alec Regula on waivers, a move that reflects their ongoing struggles and the need for salary cap relief. Mangiapane, who has underperformed since joining the Oilers, has been the subject of trade discussions since the Christmas break, but efforts to find a suitable deal have not materialized.
Performance and Contract Details
Mangiapane, 29, signed a two-year contract worth $7.2 million ($3.6 million cap hit) with the Oilers after a lackluster season with the Washington Capitals. In 52 games this season, he has recorded only seven goals and seven assists, leading to a disappointing -19 rating. His performance metrics indicate that the Oilers have been outscored 38-21 during his time on the ice, marking him as a liability in their lineup. The Oilers' management had hoped he would contribute significantly to their offensive depth, but this has not been the case.
Implications of the Waiver Move
By placing Mangiapane on waivers, the Oilers aim to clear approximately $1.15 million in cap space if he goes unclaimed. This move allows them to potentially assign him to their AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, if he clears waivers. The Oilers are in a tight salary cap situation, with only $10,000 in available space, making it crucial to offload contracts to facilitate any trades before the deadline.
Trade Rumors and Future Prospects
Despite Mangiapane's struggles, he has been linked to several teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, who may be interested in acquiring him. However, the Oilers' attempts to trade him have been complicated by his no-move clause and the lack of interest from other teams. Reports suggest that the Oilers may need to attach additional assets to Mangiapane to facilitate a trade, indicating the challenges they face in moving his contract.
Official Statements & Responses
Elliotte Friedman, a prominent NHL insider, noted that Mangiapane's willingness to waive his no-trade clause could have made him more appealing to other teams, but the lack of interest has led to the current waiver situation. The Oilers are also exploring options to acquire a right-side defenseman and a third-line center, with names like Oliver Ekman-Larsson from the Maple Leafs surfacing in discussions.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics have pointed out that the Oilers' management, particularly GM Stan Bowman, faces scrutiny for the decisions made during the previous offseason, which have contributed to the current roster issues. The failure to effectively utilize Mangiapane and the overall defensive struggles of the team have raised concerns about the direction of the franchise as they aim for a deep playoff run.
What's Next
The Oilers will closely monitor the waiver process for Mangiapane and Regula, as their future moves may hinge on the outcome. If Mangiapane clears waivers, the team will have the opportunity to re-evaluate their roster and potentially make additional trades to bolster their chances as the playoffs approach. The coming days will be critical for the Oilers as they navigate the trade deadline landscape.
