The Edmonton Oilers find themselves in an intriguing position as the NHL trade deadline approaches on March 6, 2026. Unexpectedly, a surge of goaltending injuries among Eastern Conference contenders has created a seller's market for netminders, and the Oilers possess a valuable commodity in Calvin Pickard. This unforeseen demand has presented Edmonton with leverage they didn't anticipate, potentially opening avenues to address other roster needs.
Several teams, including the New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, and Carolina Hurricanes, have reportedly contacted the Oilers to inquire about Pickard's availability. Pickard has solidified his reputation as a dependable NHL backup, capable of providing solid performance during an extended starter absence. While a straight trade for Pickard might only yield a mid-round draft pick, the Oilers are exploring a more ambitious strategy.
According to league sources, Edmonton is considering packaging Pickard with forward Andrew Mangiapane in a single deal. Mangiapane's name has been circulating in trade rumors for months, and the Oilers believe that attaching him to a sought-after asset like Pickard could finally facilitate a trade. While Mangiapane's offensive production hasn't quite matched expectations, he remains a defensively responsible winger with versatility. By offering a package deal, Edmonton hopes to entice teams seeking both goaltending depth and forward support.
Several teams have been identified as potential suitors for Mangiapane, including Detroit, Winnipeg, Anaheim and San Jose. For teams seeking forward depth and reliable goaltending, Edmonton can market Mangiapane as a "buy-low" candidate, potentially freeing up cap space for further improvements. The Rangers, with their proven need for goaltending depth behind Igor Shesterkin and win-now aspirations, could be a good fit. Mangiapane would provide them with a versatile winger without disrupting their core. The Rangers also possess the cap flexibility and prospect pool to absorb Mangiapane's contract.
Beyond the potential Mangiapane trade, the Oilers are actively looking to bolster their roster for a deep playoff run. General Manager Stan Bowman is reportedly seeking scoring depth on the wings, a third-line center, and another quality defenseman. The team has been linked to players like Jake DeBrusk, and Boone Jenner. On defense, names like Luke Schenn and Logan Stanley have been mentioned as potential lower-cost options. Another defenseman that has gained interest from fans is Jamie Oleksiak from the Seattle Kraken.
However, navigating the trade deadline will be challenging. The Oilers have limited cap space and a relatively thin prospect pool, potentially hindering their ability to acquire high-impact players. The team's major addition may have already occurred with the acquisition of Tristan Jarry. The Oilers may need to focus on identifying value and making opportunistic moves rather than pursuing blockbuster deals.
