As the second half of the NHL season gets underway, rumour season is in full swing. With so much of the league tight in the standings, there is little clarity on who will be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline. All the same, the Edmonton Oilers find themselves in several rumours.
Let’s take a look at the recent buzz in this week’s rumour roundup.
Finding a team for Mangiapane
After a stretch of scratches it seems things are heating up for an Andrew Mangiapane trade. Mangiapane has fallen out of favour, and both player and team do not seem thrilled with the fit at this point. There has been some bad luck involved, but it should be noted that there has been issues finding wingers to fit into the group. The good news for the Oilers is that Mangiapane has been outplayed by other wingers, even though his signing has been a miss.
Already the Anaheim Ducks have been linked to Mangiapane. The Ducks are a younger team coming into their own, and perhaps the veteran presence of Mangiapane can help stabilize them. The Anaheim Ducks have a veteran Ryan Strome who has fallen down the lineup already, and perhaps the former Oilers could make sense in a Mangiapane trade. Both players would hope for a better fit on their new teams.
The Detroit Red Wings and Winnipeg Jets have been linked to Mangiapane as well. Both teams are searching for offence from their middle-six forwards, and so Mangiapane could make sense. The Jets often acquire players with some term.
Beyond that, finding a trade partner for Mangiapane is not obvious. Other teams looking to add veteran help on the wing might not have a bigger role for Mangiapane. Teams lower in the standings might have a bigger role, but might not have an appetite to trade for a veteran at this point.
The Oilers will likely have to settle for a small return, either in late round draft capital or another struggling veteran. The other factor here is that the Oilers might have to move Mangiapane to afford any deadline additions against the salary cap.
Frederic not clicking
Another offseason signing in Trent Frederic also finds himself scratched. At the time of his acquisition, it was thought that Frederic might be able to chip in 15 goals and 30 points while playing a hard nosed style of game. A fit on the third line seemed likely, though this offseason generated some intrigue for Frederic higher in the lineup or at centre.
Things started slowly last season after Frederic joined the team. Returning from an ankle injury, many thought that Frederic was limited, and that this season would see a healthier and more effective version of him. Unfortunately this has not been the case, as Frederic has yet to find much traction as an Oiler.
Complicating things is the long contract the Oilers handed out to Frederic this offseason. It was seen as an aggressive approach for a depth forward, now looking a bit foolish to commit so much to a forward who has not fit in with the team. For now there are little substantive rumours surrounding a Frederic trade, though clearly many fans will be dreaming one up.
Walman’s return to play
Jake Walman has been out for some time now. At first his injury was expected to be quite short, though it has kept him sidelined since November 20. Having already returned to practice, it is expected that Walman will be ready to go sooner rather than later. At the same time, the misleading reports about his injury have some fans questioning how much this timeline can be trusted.
Regardless, Walman returning to the lineup will be a huge boost for the Oilers. Where he fits into the lineup might be a question, as one of Spencer Stastney, Alec Regula, or Ty Emberson will come out of the lineup. Walman has played both sides, giving the Oilers some flexibility.
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Ingram’s new gear
AHL call up Connor Ingram sported some new pads, working in the off-white of the Oilers new third jerseys. While hardly newsworthy to the general public, it does speak to a decision on the horizon for the Oilers. Once Tristan Jarry returns to health, one of Ingram or Calvin Pickard will presumably be sent down to the minors.
Ingram has slightly better stats in a limited number of games. He is the younger goalie, and has a more accomplished career. Some time away for health purposes made him available, and Ingram has looked the part to reward the Oilers faith in a return to form.
Ingram does not yet require waivers, but will if he sees 10 NHL games or be on the roster for 30 days. Ingram was recalled on December 19, meaning that the time is drawing near. There is a chance the Oilers try to thread the needle, sending Ingram down before he becomes waiver eligible, and thus keeping all three of their goalies.
The earliest Jarry is expected back is mid-January as the Oilers begin a homestand. This is right around the same time that Ingram will become waiver eligible. There is still time for Ingram and Pickard to make their cases, but chances are the Oilers will be forced into a tough decision.
At the very least Ingram’s new pads represent his desire to stay in the NHL. The team has stood up for Pickard before. There is no guarantee that Jarry will be back as soon as expected. The Oilers can try to get cute, but finding a strong goaltending tandem is crucial to the team’s success.
There’s no 30-day provision for goaltenders. He can remain on the roster for as long as the emergency situation remains. The only trigger for being waiver eligible is playing 10 games. Backup doesn’t count, so they could draw out his waiver-exempt period for quite a while. I doubt they will, because everyone realizes he’s starting and Pickard is going, but them’s the rules.