The Edmonton Oilers are a team on the rise, riding a mid-season surge and looking every bit like a serious contender in the Western Conference. But as the NHL trade deadline looms, the conversation around Edmonton is shifting from “can they keep this up?”
to “how can they get even better?” And according to multiple NHL insiders, the Oilers may be eyeing some intriguing reinforcements-possibly from the Toronto Maple Leafs.
There’s been chatter that Edmonton and Toronto have been in contact ahead of the NHL’s trade freeze, with speculation swirling around a few potential targets. While early buzz had centered on Leafs winger Bobby McMann-a big-bodied, fast-skating forward on a team-friendly $1.35 million deal-it appears he may not be the focus of those talks after all. Instead, names like center Nic Roy and veteran defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson have surfaced as possible targets.
Roy, a dependable two-way center, has carved out a reputation as a playoff performer and could bring valuable depth down the middle. Ekman-Larsson, meanwhile, is a top-four defenseman with a Stanley Cup pedigree, having played a key role in Florida’s 2024 championship run. Both players would bring experience and versatility to an Oilers roster that’s already humming but could use a little more bite for a deep postseason push.
And it’s not just Toronto players on Edmonton’s radar. There’s also been some speculative talk-this time from Nick Kypreos-about a potential move for Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine.
Laine’s name always draws attention, and for good reason. He’s a pure goal scorer with elite offensive upside.
But there’s one massive hurdle: the cap hit. Laine’s $8.7 million salary is a non-starter unless the Oilers move out a major piece, and that’s not happening without shaking the foundation of the roster.
Let’s be real here: Edmonton’s in a tight spot financially. The term “cap hell” gets thrown around a lot, but in this case, it fits.
The Oilers are right up against the ceiling, and adding anyone with a sizable contract is going to require some serious maneuvering. Trading a core player like Evan Bouchard or Mattias Ekholm to make room?
Not going to happen. Not in the middle of a season where the team is finally clicking on all cylinders.
There is, however, one potential path to clearing some space: moving out Andrew Mangiapane. The winger carries a $3.6 million cap hit through next season and has reportedly been on the block for over a month.
So far, no takers. That likely means Edmonton would need to attach a sweetener-perhaps a mid-round pick or a prospect-to get another team to bite.
But if the Oilers are serious about adding a difference-maker, that may be a price they’re willing to pay.
And then there’s the Adam Henrique situation. The veteran forward is working his way back from injury, and once he’s activated, his $3 million cap hit comes back on the books. That only tightens the financial squeeze, making any potential deadline moves even more complicated.
As for whether McMann, Roy, or Ekman-Larsson are the right fits? That’s a question Edmonton’s front office-and their pro scouting department-are working hard to answer.
McMann has drawn comparisons to Warren Foegele, another big winger who brings energy and speed. Roy, during his time with Vegas, was a thorn in Edmonton’s side and plays with the kind of edge that tends to shine in the postseason.
Ekman-Larsson, though not the elite blue-liner he once was, has shown he can still contribute in high-leverage situations.
The Oilers don’t need a blockbuster to shake up the league-they just need the right piece to complement what’s already working. Whether that comes from Toronto, Montreal, or elsewhere, the next few weeks will be critical.
Edmonton’s window is wide open right now. The question is: will they find a way to push through it?