On Wednesday, the NHL will undergo a roster freeze ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics and it is causing trade talk leaguewide to heat up. Edmonton Oilers struggling winger Andrew Mangiapane's name continues to circulate in trade rumours across the NHL.
Many NHL insiders are buzzing with various rumours and speculation, including multiple trade bait boards ahead of Wednesday's roster freeze. One insider who released the third iteration of his trade list is Sportsnet insider, Nick Kypreos. The Oilers are mentioned multiple times throughout, even aside from the section highlighting Mangiapane.
One of the other mentions of the Oilers is in connection to fallen star, Montreal Canadiens forward, Patrik Laine. Kypreos says "Edmonton's Andrew Mangiapane is also on my list and it makes me wonder if a Montreal-Edmonton match might be found here."
Does Laine make sense as a trade target for the Oilers?
Laine, 27, was one of the most highly anticipated prospects at the 2016 NHL Draft, being selected second overall by the Winnipeg Jets. He hit the ground running in his rookie year and looked like he was poised to be one of the best goal scorers of his generation.
Although he has hit some gawdy totals with a career high of 44 goals in just his sophomore season, he has struggled to reach those same heights in recent years. He has been unable to play a full NHL season since 2021-22, having played only five games for the Canadiens this year, undergoing surgery that has left him sidelined for most of the season.
He is also currently paid $8.7 million and is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season. As Kypreos mentions, he could come along with an asset for the Canadiens to shed his contract, "Montreal is looking to move out his money and might be willing to spend an asset to do that."
Given the Oilers are trying to rid themselves of a struggling winger in Mangiapane, it does not make a lot of sense on the surface. Although the potential is very clear with Laine having scored 20 goals in 52 games last year and in the right position, he could be an impactful piece but it is a gamble.
Also, in terms of the Oilers current cap situation, even at 50 percent retained, he would still cost roughly $750,000 more than Mangiapane, making him a tough squeeze for the Oilers to fit into their cap situation.
However, if there is no other option, moving Mangiapane for Laine at 50 percent retention and an asset, it may make sense for the Oilers. If not, then Stan Bowman and the Oilers brass should look elsewhere.
All salary cap information courtesy of puckpedia.com