The Edmonton Oil Companies may have encountered unexpected leverage at the trade deadline. With several Eastern Conference participants dealing with goaltending injuries, Edmonton has received exploratory calls from the New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers and Carolina Hurricanes about Calvin Pickard. But those conversations may not stop at the crease.
According to league sourcesthe Oilers are quietly exploring whether Pickard’s rising value can be used as part of a larger roster cleanup, potentially allowing Edmonton to move Andreas Mangiapane in the same agreement. While Mangiapane’s name has been floating around trade circles for months, pairing him with a position of need like Pickard could finally open up a realistic path forward.
Why Edmonton is exploring a package deal
Pickard has proven himself as a solid NHL backup, someone who can replace an injured starter for an extended stretch of games. Edmonton understands this, though they also recognize that anything Pickard will pick up in return for him is likely a mid-round draft pick.
However, bundling Pickard with Mangiapane changes the conversation.
Mangiapane’s contributions have not lived up to expectations offensively, but it appears he still has the skills to be a defensively responsible winger who can be deployed at various points in the lineup. For teams looking for depth at forward positions and consistent play from goaltenders, Edmonton can promote Mangiapane in the area of ​​buy-low landscape changes – leaving room in the cap for improvements elsewhere.
New York Rangers: Depth without overpaying
The Rangers’ goaltending depth has been tested behind Igor Shesterkin, and they are firmly in win-now mode. Adding Pickard protects them from further injury, while Mangiapane gives them a versatile winger who can contribute without disrupting their core.
New York has the flexibility of the cap and depth prospects to pick up Mangiapane’s contract if they view him as a playoff tool.
Potential trade proposal:
- Rangers receive: Calvin Pickard, Andrew Mangiapane
- Oilers receive: 2025 third-round pick Taylor Raddysh
This type of deal gives Edmonton flexibility and frees up salary, while New York avoids paying for premium assets.
Philadelphia Flyers: Short-term upside help
Philadelphia’s goaltender injuries left them in a do-or-die situation. The addition of Pickard will immediately stabilize their goalkeeping situation, while Mangiapane complements their identity with his forward-looking skills, high motor and responsible play in all three zones on their third line.
Indeed, the Flyers won’t be trading any top prospects; However, when packaged together, they can meet two of their needs instead of investing heavily in goaltending.
Potential trade proposal:
- Flyers received: Calvin Pickard, Andrew Mangiapane
- Oilers receive: 2025 second-round pick (conditional)
For Edmonton, this is the type of value that may not be available if the players are moved individually.
Carolina Hurricanes: Playoff insurance with structure
Carolina’s need is perhaps the most logical. The way they play reduces the visibility of their goaltenders, so Pickard would be a great fit as a depth addition. Meanwhile, Mangiapane is doing everything Rod Brind’Amour loves: puck pursuit, defensive awareness and playoff habits.
Meanwhile, Carolina has shown a willingness to make pragmatic deadline deals that value depth over star power.
Potential trade proposal:
- Hurricanes receive: Calvin Pickard, Andrew Mangiapane
- Oilers receive: 2025 third-round pick, conditional mid-round pick (games played)
This gives Carolina insurance at two positions while allowing Edmonton to rebalance its roster.
Last takeaway
What started as simple questions about goaltending has turned into a strategic opportunity for the Oilers. Calvin Pickard is now at the peak of his value, and teaming him with Andrew Mangiapane could give the Oilers the flexibility they need for roster moves when the season is about to start.
In a deadline market fueled by injuries and urgency, the Oilers are listening, but also positioning themselves to make a profit.
Next: Oilers dodged the goaltending bullet by forgoing UFA bids
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