The Edmonton Oilers head into the 2026 NHL trade deadline with an interesting choice to make. On one hand, they have a good problem in that they can be flexible in what they target: they can choose to target a winger or they can choose to target a center. The downside is that whatever they choose there isn’t a lot available, at least not that they can grab with limited cap space.
After back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup Final, this Oilers’ roster is built to win now. They aren’t as strong a team as they have been the past couple of seasons, but they’re still in the mix and the path to improving it isn’t as complicated as some might think.
The critical player here is Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Harman Dayal of The Athletic writes, “The Oilers can be flexible regarding the forward’s position; if they land a center, it will give them the luxury of using Ryan Nugent-Hopkins as a full-time winger, and if they land a winger, they can deploy RNH as a full-time 3C.”
His ability to move seamlessly between the two positions will almost make it feel like the Oilers are landing two pieces at the deadline. The winger addition means Nugent-Hopkins can settle in as the third-line center, a spot the team has struggled to stabilize for stretches this season. If the Oilers find a center, there is no need to add another winger — at least not a superstar. Nuge can stay where he is and Edmonton can add a value piece with a proven level of production.
How the Oilers Might Round Out Their Top Nine
Edmonton’s current top nine structure looks as follows:
RNH – Connor McDavid – Zach Hyman
Vasily Podkolzin – Leon Draisaitl – Kasperi Kapanen
Jack Roslovic – Josh Samanski – Matt Savoie
Mattias Janmark – Trent Frederic – Curtis Lazar
Assuming the Oilers can move on from Andrew Mangiapane, the Oilers are in decent shape to make something happen. While this year’s first-round pick is already gone, Edmonton has its first-rounders beyond that, along with a prospect pool that could entice another team. Assuming the Oilers are willing to move pieces and picks, it gives general manager Stan Bowman some ammunition.
McMann Jenner Oilers trade
Scenario 1: The Oilers Acquire a Top-Six Center
Landing a proven pivot (e.g., a Ryan O’Reilly or Boone Jenner-type or similar rental/upgrade) lets RNH shift permanently to the wing. This creates a balanced, high-skill top nine with enhanced depth at center:
Line 1: RNH – McDavid – Hyman (RNH thrives with McDavid)
Line 2: Podkolzin – Draisaitl – Kapanen
Line 3: Savoie – Jenner– Roslovic
Line 4: Frederic – Samanski – Lazar
Scenario 2: Acquire a Top-Six Winger
If the market favors a winger (e.g., a scoring LW/RW fit), RNH moves to full-time 3C, anchoring a strong checking/shutdown line with upside:
Line 1: Jared McCann– McDavid – Hyman
Line 2: Podkolzin – Draisaitl – Kapanen
Line 3: Savoie – RNH – Roslovic
Line 4: Frederic – Samanski – Lazar
The real challenge, as expected, is the salary cap. Edmonton is operating with almost no margin for error, with projections ranging from barely under the cap to effectively over it. Any meaningful addition likely requires money going out.
Mangiapane and Janmark stand out as a logical trade chips. Adam Henrique wasn’t included in the above projections because of his injury, but he might be worked into the lineup or agrees to waive his no-move clause.
Mangiapane’s $3.6 million cap hit or Henrique’s $3 million hit gives the Oilers some options.
The championship window is wide open, but cap reality will determine just how aggressive Edmonton can afford to be. Fortunately, it looks like one savvy trade can tackle two problems.
Next: Blackhawks Defenseman Could Help Oilers’ Struggling Penalty Kill
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