The Edmonton Oilers’ ongoing efforts to move Andrew Mangiapane have taken a new twist with NHL insider Elliotte Friedman speculating that former Oiler Ryan Strome could be heading back to Edmonton as part of a potential deal with the Anaheim Ducks.
Speaking on the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Friedman disclosed that Strome’s name has come up in conversations surrounding a Mangiapane trade. The center, who previously spent 100 games with Edmonton before being moved in 2018, is now being discussed as a possible return piece from Anaheim.
“The other thing there too is that I did have some people who thought that they thought maybe that, like a Strome for Mangiapane deal might make sense,” Friedman revealed.
Friedman had earlier reported that the Ducks have shown significant interest in acquiring Mangiapane, which makes them the frontrunners in trade discussions. With Edmonton desperately needing center depth and Anaheim seeking offensive reinforcement, the framework for a swap appears quite logical on the surface.
Ryan Strome’s declining production and cap complications for Edmonton
However, the potential reunion comes with significant financial hurdles. Strome carries a hefty $5 million cap hit through next season in a contract that looks increasingly problematic, given his offensive production has fallen off a cliff this year.
After posting 41 points last season, Strome is on pace for just 23 points this campaign. He has been scratched multiple times by the Ducks, and it seems Anaheim is equally motivated to move on from the veteran center.
For Edmonton, already pressed against the salary cap ceiling, acquiring Strome would require the Ducks to retain at least $1.4 million to make the money work. Even then, the Oilers would still need to clear additional space to activate Jake Walman and Tristan Jarry from LTIR.
The Oilers’ cap situation is so far precarious. They recently placed Jarry on LTIR retroactively to activate Kasperi Kapanen, but it’s only a temporary solution.
With over $7 million tied up in healthy scratches between Andrew Mangiapane and Trent Frederic, Edmonton needs cap flexibility more than another struggling veteran on a multi-year deal.
Strome’s defensive reliability is his primary selling point, but the Oilers already struggle to generate offence. Adding a center who can’t score doesn’t address their core issues. His previous stint in Edmonton wasn’t particularly memorable either, with the franchise still feeling the sting of trading Jordan Eberle for him back in 2017.
Red Wings and Jets have joined the Ducks in the pursuit of Mangiapane
While the Ducks lead the way, additional interested parties have also emerged. According to David Pagnotta of the Third Period, Edmonton has options beyond Anaheim.
“The Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings and Winnipeg Jets are just three of the teams the Oilers are believed to have spoken to about Mangiapane’s availability,” Pagnotta reported.
The insider also suggested these trade discussions are actively ongoing and a deal could materialize imminently. With Mangiapane benched in three of his last four games, the urgency to complete a transaction is right there.
Is a Mangiapane trade actually imminent?
However, not all insiders are equally optimistic about an imminent resolution. Frank Seravalli of OilersNow offered a more cautious assessment of the situation.
“I don’t think the Oilers are close on anything on Mangiapane. I think they have been in contact with a couple of teams. I think that second year on the deal is a detriment, and they are trying to work through it,” Seravalli stated.
Meanwhile, Friedman’s track record suggests a deal could still come together quickly, with general manager Stan Bowman reportedly taking direct control of negotiations.
The Ducks’ recent move to place Nikita Nesterenko on waivers freed up nearly $800,000 in cap space for them, giving them the flexibility to absorb Mangiapane’s full $3.6 million contract if necessary.
The Oilers might prioritize cap flexibility over veteran addition
For Edmonton, dumping Mangiapane’s entire contract without taking back significant salary should be the priority. While Strome offers NHL experience and defensive play on the plus, his offensive struggles and inflated contract make him a questionable fit for a team already starving for scoring depth.
With multiple teams now circling Mangiapane, the Oilers appear ready to resolve this situation within the week. The hope in Edmonton is that Bowman can extract maximum value while gaining the cap flexibility needed to ice a healthy, competitive roster down the stretch.
Whether that solution involves a Strome reunion remains to be seen, but the Oilers would be wise to explore all options before bringing back a player who didn’t move the needle during his first tour of duty in Oil Country.
