{"id":451819,"date":"2026-02-09T04:12:29","date_gmt":"2026-02-09T04:12:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/451819\/"},"modified":"2026-02-09T04:12:29","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T04:12:29","slug":"oilers-adding-one-deadline-forward-could-feel-like-two-moves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/451819\/","title":{"rendered":"Oilers Adding One Deadline Forward Could Feel Like Two Moves"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\u2019t a lot available, at least not that they can grab with limited cap space.<\/p>\n

After back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup Final, this Oilers\u2019 roster is built to win now. They aren\u2019t as strong a team as they have been the past couple of seasons, but they\u2019re still in the mix and the path to improving it isn\u2019t as complicated as some might think.<\/p>\n

The critical player here is Ryan Nugent-Hopkins<\/a>. Harman Dayal of The Athletic writes<\/a>, \u201cThe Oilers can be flexible regarding the forward\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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 \u2014 at least not a superstar. Nuge can stay where he is and Edmonton can add a value piece with a proven level of production. <\/p>\n

How the Oilers Might Round Out Their Top Nine<\/p>\n

Edmonton\u2019s current top nine structure looks as follows:<\/p>\n

RNH \u2013 Connor McDavid<\/a> \u2013 Zach Hyman<\/a><\/p>\n

Vasily Podkolzin<\/a> \u2013 Leon Draisaitl<\/a> \u2013 Kasperi Kapanen<\/a><\/p>\n

Jack Roslovic<\/a> \u2013 Josh Samanski<\/a> \u2013 Matt Savoie<\/p>\n

Mattias Janmark<\/a> \u2013 Trent Frederic<\/a> \u2013 Curtis Lazar<\/a><\/p>\n

Assuming the Oilers can move on from Andrew Mangiapane<\/a>, the Oilers are in decent shape to make something happen. While this year\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\"McMannMcMann Jenner Oilers trade<\/p>\n

Scenario 1: The Oilers Acquire a Top-Six Center <\/p>\n

Landing a proven pivot (e.g., a Ryan O\u2019Reilly 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:<\/p>\n

Line 1: RNH \u2013 McDavid \u2013 Hyman (RNH thrives with McDavid)<\/p>\n

Line 2: Podkolzin \u2013 Draisaitl \u2013 Kapanen<\/p>\n

Line 3: Savoie \u2013 Jenner\u2013 Roslovic<\/p>\n

Line 4: Frederic \u2013 Samanski \u2013 Lazar<\/p>\n

Scenario 2: Acquire a Top-Six Winger <\/p>\n

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:<\/p>\n

Line 1: Jared McCann\u2013 McDavid \u2013 Hyman<\/p>\n

Line 2: Podkolzin \u2013 Draisaitl \u2013 Kapanen <\/p>\n

Line 3: Savoie \u2013 RNH \u2013 Roslovic <\/p>\n

Line 4: Frederic \u2013 Samanski \u2013 Lazar<\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

Mangiapane and Janmark stand out as a logical trade chips. Adam Henrique<\/a> wasn\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n

Mangiapane\u2019s $3.6 million cap hit or Henrique\u2019s $3 million hit gives the Oilers some options. <\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

Next: Blackhawks Defenseman Could Help Oilers\u2019 Struggling Penalty Kill<\/a><\/p>\n

\tDiscover more from NHL Trade Talk<\/p>\n

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