We are here exactly one week before the 2025-26 NHL Trade Deadline. You know what that means? It is time for a scrumptious edition of NHL Rumours, and one focusing on two big wigs, the Edmonton Oilers and the Toronto Maple Leafs. So, let’s get started.

Rumour: From today’s edition of 32 Thoughts the Podcast, Elliotte Friedman quickly touched on a move for the Edmonton Oilers. With Toronto’s Stanley Cup Playoff hopes dwindling in the wind, their d-man, Oliver Ekman-Larsson (OEL), might just be available.

Analysis: As a cup contender, it would make sense the Oilers want to load up. The biggest hurdle in acquiring salary is that they will have to move some out.

OEL has proven to be a very useful playoff performer. He helped the Florida Panthers win the ultimate prize in 2024. In addition, he has done well in Toronto to come in and shore up the power play quarterback role. Therefore, he is a great fit to an Oiler d-core that is always looking for some consistency.

The Oilers defence just wants to add some high-end depth. Mattias Ekholm and Evan Bouchard is an amazing top pairing, even if Ekholm has maybe taken a step back. They also have regulars like Darnell Nurse, Jake Walman, and Ty Emberson. However, beyond that they may want some veteran leadership. OEL is a guy who can play in many situations, and against many different levels of competition. It really would be a great addition as added security, and help head coach Kris Knoblauch win the matchup game.

So, What’s the Matter with an OEL Trade?

The problem? Well, the Oilers are up against it…the salary cap ceiling that is. According to PuckPedia, they are only projected to have $12K in salary cap space at the trade deadline. That’s it. Toronto is another team that is up against the cap, so there’s not a lot of flexibility on either end. OEL currently makes $3.5 million.

The Oilers do have a plan to make it work. Andrew Mangiapane has likewise been the source of recent trade rumours. First of all, Mangiapane has greatly underperformed for Edmonton. Moving him out would be a second chance for him to get going. It is interesting that he also makes around the same amount ($3.6 million). However, the Oilers are still yet to find a willing suitor. Mangiapane’s lack of production and salary impact has made him hard to trade. He would be the type of player that teams loading up might have as a backup option. So, if he is going to get traded, it might not be until closer to the exact deadline.

If buyers miss out on their big piece or have already added one, then they might look to Mangiapane as a supplementary piece. In other words, this could be a great example of going down to the wire. In any case, Edmonton does want OEL, and might take a bite on Mangiapane’s return, if they feel the need.

Main Photo Credit John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images