3 Reasons Oilers’ Mattias Janmark’s Days Might Be Numbered

For a player who has quietly been a reliable depth piece, Mattias Janmark may be facing his final chapter with the Edmonton Oilers. Once a key part of the team’s penalty kill and defensive rotation, Janmark’s position now looks precarious. With roster turnover, cap pressure, and the rise of younger forwards, the Swedish veteran could find himself on the outside looking in.

Reason 1: The Oilers Have a Roster Crunch and Salary Cap Pressure

Janmark carries a $1.45 million cap hit, and the Oilers are close to the salary-cap ceiling. Edmonton’s recent signing of Jack Roslovic to a one-year, $1.5 million deal only intensifies the squeeze. To fit Roslovic under the cap and on the 23-man roster, the team may have to make tough decisions. Janmark, currently on injured reserve, becomes a logical candidate to free both salary and a roster spot.

Reason 2. Janmark Will Experience Competition From Youth

The Oilers’ forward group is getting younger and hungrier. Noah Philp, Matthew Savoie, and Ike Howard are pressing for NHL time, each with cap-friendly contracts and high upside. Philp, in particular, could take over Janmark’s penalty-killing duties. {He scored his first NHL goal last night.} If these prospects earn the trust of the coaching staff early, Janmark could struggle to reclaim consistent minutes once healthy.

Reason 3. The Timing of Janmark’s Injury Could Be Horrible

Janmark’s preseason was brief, limited to just three games before landing on injured reserve with an undisclosed issue. For a veteran on a one-year deal, missing the start of the season is significant. Hockey is a “what have you done for me lately” business — and if younger players seize the opportunity, Janmark’s role could be permanently diminished.