Edmonton Oilers Making Trade Offers to Fill Specific Need

Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman has two jobs before the trade deadline approaches on Friday. 1 - trade Andrew Mangiapane, and 2 - find a third-line center.

The Oilers have been involved in trade talks for weeks as they look to make some changes up front before the deadline, and they've also been linked to a depth defenceman, who can play the right side. Bowman's been as active as anyone the past couple of weeks, and Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman feels there's some potential for the Oilers to fill at least one of their needs doing business with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

“From what I’ve heard, I think Edmonton is looking at two possibilities: a defenseman who can play the right side — OEL has done that before — or potentially a third center, especially if Ryan Nugent-Hopkins stays on the wing,” he said. “I think they are also considering a center. They have to move Andrew Mangiapane, but those are the two positions Edmonton is considering shoring up.”

Mangiapane has been a disaster in Edmonton after signing a two-year deal last summer. He's signed through next season at $3.6 million AAV, holds a full no-movement clause. With just seven goals and 14 points in 52 games, Bowman's going to have to lace Mangiapane trade offers with a sweetener to get teams to bite.

As far as center trade targets, Nicolas Roy and Scott Laughton are two centers the Oilers are also interested in from Toronto, but at this point, Leafs GM Brad Treliving has zero trade interest in Mangiapane.

Don't be surprised to see the Oilers and Maple Leafs make a move together before Friday's deadline, but first, Bowman needs to find a suitor for Mangiapane.

Photo credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images