Mattias Janmark's future with the Edmonton Oilers is uncertain, and he may have already played his last game for the team. Several factors point towards a potential departure for the veteran forward, including the Oilers' need to clear cap space, the emergence of younger players, and Janmark's declining role on the team.
The Oilers are facing a cap crunch following the unexpected signing of free agent Jack Roslovic to a one-year, $1.5 million deal. With limited cap space, the team will need to make roster moves to accommodate Roslovic and become cap-compliant once Zach Hyman returns from the long-term injured reserve (LTIR). Janmark is among the players who could be moved to free up cap space, either through a trade or by being sent down to the AHL.
Adding to the uncertainty surrounding Janmark is the rise of prospects like Noah Philp, who are challenging for roster spots. Philp's versatility as a right-shooting center, combined with his potential to contribute on the penalty kill, makes him an attractive option for a depth role. If Philp can demonstrate his ability to win faceoffs and kill penalties consistently, he could surpass Janmark on the depth chart.
Janmark's performance and role with the Oilers have also diminished. While he was once a reliable penalty killer and defensive forward, his offensive production has declined, and his defensive play has become less exceptional. In the 2024-25 season, Janmark recorded just two goals and 16 assists in 80 games. He also saw his ice time and usage decrease as the season progressed, indicating a potential lack of trust from the coaching staff.
Despite these challenges, Janmark remains a useful player with valuable experience. The 32-year-old has played nearly 600 NHL games and is known for his mistake-free game and solid veteran presence. He can still contribute as a depth forward who can kill penalties, throw hits, and forecheck effectively. Several teams seeking veteran leadership and defensive reliability in their bottom-six forward group may have an interest in acquiring him.
However, Janmark also has a ten-team no-trade clause, which could limit the Oilers' options. If a trade materializes, the return for Janmark is not expected to be significant, likely a mid-round draft pick.
As of October 6, 2025, Janmark was placed on injured reserve due to an undisclosed injury sustained during training camp. Coach Kris Knoblauch indicated that Janmark could miss one to two weeks.
Ultimately, the decision on Janmark's future with the Oilers will depend on several factors, including his health, the performance of younger players, and the team's overall cap situation. While he could still carve out a role for himself, the odds appear to be stacked against him, and it is increasingly likely that Mattias Janmark has played his last game in an Oilers uniform.
