Oilers forward Mattias Janmark is scheduled to undergo surgery on Wednesday and will miss the remainder of the regular season, according to reports from NHL insider David Pagnotta.
The news deals a significant blow to the Oilers' bottom-six forward group with the team sitting third in the Pacific Division and the March 6 trade deadline looming. Janmark had been logging heavy minutes as a defensive specialist and primary penalty-kill anchor before his injury forced him from the lineup.
The Swedish forward last took the ice on February 26 against the Anaheim Ducks playing just 2 minutes and 30 seconds before exiting in the first period. Head coach Kris Knoblauch later announced Janmark would be out long-term with a chronic injury requiring rest and it now appears surgery is the necessary next step.
“As I mentioned on the show about 15 mins ago, I'm told #LetsGoOilers forward Mattias Janmark is having surgery on Wednesday and is out for the rest of the regular season,” Pagnotta reported on Monday.
As I mentioned on the show about 15 mins ago, I'm told #LetsGoOilers forward Mattias Janmark is having surgery on Wednesday and is out for the rest of the regular season. https://t.co/UFYJjTLdgK
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) March 2, 2026
The nature of Janmark's injury remains officially undisclosed though speculation points toward a potential shoulder problem that could require surgical intervention. Regardless of the specifics, the timeline appears grim for his return during the regular season.
The impact on Edmonton's structure
Through 43 games this season, Janmark recorded eight points (one goal, seven assists) while serving as a trusted defensive presence on Edmonton's third and fourth lines. His contributions extended well beyond the stat sheet as his primary value lay in shutting down opponents and anchoring penalty-kill units.
The loss creates a tactical headache for Knoblauch who has deployed Janmark in key situations throughout the campaign. Finding a replacement who can handle tough matchups and excel in shorthanded scenarios won't be simple mid-season.
Janmark is playing on a three-year deal signed in July 2024 carrying an annual cap hit of $1.45 million through the 2026-27 season. With the injury potentially keeping him out for the remainder of 2025-26, the Oilers will of course utilize Long-Term Injured Reserve.
For a team with playoff aspirations, losing a reliable veteran creates uncertainty in the lineup's lower third for sure. The Oilers will need to get creative, either promoting from within their organization or exploring the trade market to fill the defensive-forward void Janmark leaves behind. They have already recalled Ike Howard and Josh Samanski from the Condors.