As the Edmonton Oilers gear up for the upcoming NHL season, the competition for roster spots is intensifying, and some players are finding themselves in a precarious position. Among those potentially on the chopping block is veteran depth forward Mattias Janmark.

Janmark's role with the Oilers diminished as the 2024-25 season progressed, with coaches seemingly relying on him less than before. This shift in confidence could jeopardize his chances of securing a spot on the opening night roster. A strong push from prospects like Noah Philp during training camp could further complicate matters for Janmark.

Allan Mitchell of The Athletic suggests that Janmark's vulnerability stems from Philp's potential to fill a similar role. Philp, a right-shooting center, offers versatility and could be a valuable asset on the roster. While Janmark currently holds an edge, largely due to Philp's past struggles in faceoff winning percentage, this advantage may not last.

Janmark's previous value to the Oilers lay in his penalty-killing abilities and depth forward contributions. However, Philp's development could see him taking on some of those crucial penalty-killing minutes, adding another dimension to his game. Philp's size, defensive awareness, and adaptability to various game situations make him an appealing option for a depth role, especially considering he would come at a lower cost than Janmark.

The Oilers have reportedly considered trading Janmark during the offseason. A decline in Janmark's contributions would likely increase the team's willingness to move his contract in a trade aimed at freeing up cap space.

For Janmark to solidify his place on the team, he needs to demonstrate his continued value. Meanwhile, Philp needs to improve his faceoff skills and prove his ability to effectively kill penalties at the NHL level. If Philp succeeds in these areas, he could very well make the jump to a full-time NHL role, leaving Janmark on the outside looking in.

The Oilers are focused on maximizing their current window with stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in their prime. General Manager Stan Bowman is willing to explore various options to improve the team's chances of making a deep playoff run. This includes potentially trading valuable assets to acquire talent that can make an immediate impact. The Oilers' acquisition of Jake Walman before the 2025 trade deadline demonstrates their willingness to make bold moves to strengthen the team.

The Oilers have also been linked to potential PTO (Professional Tryout) options, including forwards Klim Kostin, Max Pacioretty, and goalies Ilya Samsonov and Alexandar Georgiev. These players could provide affordable depth and fill specific needs within the organization. The Oilers also acquired Paul Fischer and a 2028 3rd round pick from the St. Louis Blues for future considerations.

Ultimately, the battle for roster spots will be hard-fought during training camp. Janmark's performance, coupled with Philp's development and the Oilers' overall needs, will determine whether he remains a part of the team or becomes a trade candidate as the season progresses.