Could the Oilers Reunite with Warren Foegele? A Familiar Face Might Be on the Move
As the NHL trade deadline inches closer, the Los Angeles Kings are reportedly exploring ways to create some cap flexibility - and that could include moving forward Warren Foegele. The veteran winger, who had a solid run with the Edmonton Oilers not too long ago, is suddenly a name to watch on the trade board. And that raises an intriguing question: should the Oilers consider bringing him back?
Let’s unpack the situation.
Foegele on the Block - and Edmonton on the Radar?
According to recent reporting, the Kings are open to dealing Foegele, whose $3.5 million cap hit runs through next season. He’s been a healthy scratch in a couple of recent games, and GM Ken Holland - yes, the former Oilers GM - acknowledged that the team has a surplus of forwards. That’s often code for: someone’s getting moved.
"We got a lot of forwards obviously,” Holland told TNT. “Warren Foegele had a great year last year. He’s been out of the line-up a couple of nights… Got to work the phones here… As we get near to the end of the Olympic break the phones will start humming again.”
Translation: Foegele’s availability isn’t just speculation - it’s a real possibility.
Does a Reunion Make Sense for Edmonton?
On the surface, a straight-up addition of Foegele might not be Edmonton’s top priority. The Oilers have other needs to address - notably on the blue line, at third-line center, and possibly in the top-six forward group. But there’s a wrinkle here that makes things more interesting: the possibility of a one-for-one swap involving Andrew Mangiapane.
The numbers line up almost perfectly - Foegele at $3.5 million AAV, Mangiapane at $3.6 million, both under contract through next season. From a cap standpoint, it’s a wash.
From a hockey standpoint? That’s where things get complicated.
Mangiapane hasn’t had the kind of season the Oilers were hoping for when they brought him in. He’s struggled to find consistency and hasn’t made the kind of impact that would make him untouchable.
Foegele, meanwhile, brings a different skill set - more of a north-south game, strong on the forecheck, and capable of chipping in from the bottom six. He can kill penalties, play with pace, and he's already shown he can thrive in Edmonton’s system.
So why make the move?
Well, if both GMs believe that a change of scenery could unlock more from each player, it’s the kind of hockey trade that makes sense. Foegele has chemistry with some of Edmonton’s core, and Mangiapane might benefit from a fresh start in L.A. - especially if the Kings are looking to tweak the mix without adding to their cap load.
What’s in It for the Kings?
This is where things get a little murkier. If the goal is purely to create cap space, swapping Foegele for Mangiapane doesn’t really move the needle.
But if the Kings believe Mangiapane still has untapped potential - and that he might fit better into their system - it could be a calculated bet. The irony of trading one underperforming forward for another isn’t lost on anyone, but sometimes, that’s exactly what turns a season around for a player.
It’s also worth noting that the Kings, after adding Artemi Panarin earlier, may be looking to rebalance their forward group. Mangiapane offers a different look than Foegele, and that could be enough to justify the deal internally.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t a blockbuster. But it could be one of those under-the-radar moves that ends up paying off for both sides.
For Edmonton, bringing back Foegele would be about familiarity, fit, and depth. For L.A., it’s a chance to retool without taking on extra salary.
If the phones really do start humming after the Olympic break, don’t be surprised if this is a deal that gains traction. It's not flashy, but it might just work.