Welcome to another edition of NHL rumours here at Last Word On Hockey. This edition will focus on rumours surrounding the Edmonton Oilers and their upcoming plans. The club could suddenly become active in the trade market, but not for the reasons fans might think. So, let’s jump into this discussion on the Oilers and the latest NHL rumours.
NHL Rumours: Oilers Could Move Mangiapane amid Cap Squeeze and Incoming Help
Rumour: One of the latest NHL rumours to hit the mill is one regarding a potential trade of Andrew Mangianpane by the Edmonton Oilers. In the latest edition of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, insider Elliotte Friedman shed light on the motivation the team would have to move their key off-season signing.
Analysis: Anything coming from Elliotte Friedman is not some hair-brained idea. He communicates with too many executives, too frequently. So, if Friedman believes that the Oilers could move Mangiapane, it will make the rounds among NHL rumours.
Now, as for the rumour itself, it makes sense. Edmonton signed Mangiapane in the offseason, hoping he would boost their top-six forwards. Zach Hyman was still out with surgery, and the club had not signed Jack Roslovic.
Then, Hyman returned, and Roslovic signed. Both have had major impacts, shoving Mangiapane down the trough. Moving Mangiapane should gain traction among NHL rumours because of his $3.6 million cap hit. The Oilers are feeling the squeeze, and that cap hit doesn’t work for just five goals in 39 games. Mangiapane is now on the checking line. As such, his cap hit is way too high for a fourth-liner.
As Friedman pointed out, Mangiapane has not been the right fit in Edmonton. That could mean he gets a fresh start elsewhere. But there’s another potentially powerful reason for Mangiapane’s departure from Oil Country.
Rising Prospects Could Push for Lineup Spots Soon
NHL rumours surrounding the Oilers and Mangiapane should pick up soon. The reason? Two Oilers prospects will be pushing for playing time. Isaac Howard and Quinn Hutson are killing it at the AHL level. That situation could prompt the Oilers to act soon.
Here’s what Friedman had to say about that situation:
“Isaac Howard and Quinn Hutson have been extremely good down [in the AHL]; we’re in a situation where there’s gonna be some extra bodies; one of the names that could possibly be affected by this is Andrew Mangiapane.”
Howard started the season with the big club but struggled. Some NHL rumours began swirling about his future with the club, but nothing materialized. Howard scored two goals in 17 games before heading down. Thereafter, he’s been on fire, notching nine goals and 20 points in 15 games in Bakersfield.
As for Quinn Hutson, Lane’s sibling, he has notched 17 goals and 30 points in 25 games in Bakersfield. So, given the Oilers’ tight cap situation and need for more scoring punch, it seems Mangiapane could be the odd man out.
As NHL rumours go, this one has plenty of legs to it. The Oilers could be looking for a trade partner willing to take on Mangiapane’s cap hit. There may be some out there. So, it will be interesting to see what, if anything, Edmonton could recoup in a potential trade.
Main Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images