Oilers Stumble Into Unexpected Leverage at the Trade Deadline

However, bundling Pickard with Mangiapane changes the conversation.

Mangiapane’s contributions haven’t lived up to the billing offensively, but it seems like he still has the skillset to be a defensively responsible winger one can slot in at various points in the lineup. For teams in the market for depth at forward positions and consistent goaltender play, Edmonton can promote Mangiapane in the realm of “buy-low” scenery changes – allowing space 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 against further injuries, while Mangiapane gives them a versatile winger who can contribute without disrupting their core.

New York has the cap flexibility and prospect depth to absorb Mangiapane’s contract if they view him as a playoff utility piece.

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 clears salary, while New York avoids paying premium assets.

Philadelphia Flyers: Short-Term Help With Upside

The goaltender injuries in Philadelphia put them in a do-or-die situation. The addition of Pickard will stabilize their goaltending situation right away, while Mangiapane complements their identity with his forechecking skills, high motor, and responsible play in all three zones on their third line.

Indeed, the Flyers will not trade away top prospects; however, when packaged together, they can fulfill two of their needs rather than invest heavily in goaltending.

Potential Trade Proposal:

• Flyers receive: 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 separately.

Carolina Hurricanes: Playoff Insurance With Structure

Carolina’s need might be the most logical. The way they play reduces exposure to their goaltenders, so Pickard would fit in great as a depth addition. Meanwhile, Mangiapane does all the things that Rod Brind’Amour loves — in-your-face puck pursuit, defensive awareness and playoff-style 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.

Final Takeaway

What started as simple goaltending inquiries has turned into a strategic opportunity for the Oilers. Calvin Pickard is now at the peak of his value, and teaming him up with Andrew Mangiapane could give the Oilers the flexibility they need for roster changes when the season hits the stretch drive.

In a deadline market fueled by injury and urgency, the Oilers are listening but are also positioning themselves to profit.