Oilers Face Cap Crunch After Bowman's Big Signings

Journal: Frederic and Mangiapane contracts restrict Oilers’ options

If you’re an Edmonton Oilers fan, you might want to grab a stress ball—or maybe a tub of popcorn—because the drama is heating up as the NHL trade deadline looms. According to a recent Edmonton Journal article, General Manager Stan Bowman has been busy signing deals, but now the Oilers are feeling the squeeze. The Journal points out that the contracts handed to Trent Frederic—eight years at $3.85 million per season—and Andrew Mangiapane—two years at $3.6 million per year—have left the Oilers in a financial pickle, making it tough to tinker with the roster before the March 6th deadline. The squeeze comes even as the team rides momentum from a recent McDavid hat trick that showcased Edmonton’s star power.

The Oilers are itching to add a top nine forward or maybe a bottom-pairing defenseman to give their playoff hopes a shot in the arm. But with cap space tighter than a jar of pickles at a family picnic, it’s easier said than done. Trading Andrew Mangiapane is floating around as a possible escape hatch to free up some salary, but so far, no deals have materialized—just a lot of crossed fingers and maybe a few sleepless nights.

As for moving Trent Frederic? That’s not even on the table, thanks to his marathon contract. Instead, the Oilers might have to squeeze every drop of value out of Frederic and hope he becomes the secret sauce in their lineup. That balancing act is playing out league-wide as marquee names prepare for an Olympic return, adding another layer to roster decisions.

The article hints that the Oilers are crossing their fingers for Kasperi Kapanen’s return from injury. And if you’re a fan of underdog stories, keep an eye on young guns like Ike Howard, Matt Savoie, or Quinn Hutson—any one of them could step up and plug the gaps as the Oilers try to stretch their cap dollars like a well-worn pair of jeans. Elsewhere in the Central Division, Nashville’s surge after a Stamkos comeback win has shown how quickly fortunes can shift with the right mix of stars and depth.

To be fair, the Journal gives Bowman his due. He’s earned praise for some shrewd moves as general manager: think trades involving Podkolzin and Emberson, the signings of Lazar and Howard, snapping up free agent prospects, claiming players off waivers, signing Roslovic, re-signing Draisaitl and McDavid, trading for Walman, and even creating a little breathing room by moving Ceci. Not bad for a guy juggling flaming torches and salary spreadsheets at the same time.

With the trade deadline barreling down like a runaway Zamboni, the Oilers’ front office is walking a tightrope. If you want to keep up with every twist and turn, the Edmonton Journal’s Cult of Hockey section—helmed by writer David Staples—has you covered with all the latest updates and analysis.

For more details or to stay in the loop on all things Oilers, readers can check out the Journal’s newsletters and online coverage. After all, in Oil Country, hope springs eternal—even when the cap doesn’t.