Edmonton Oilers management is facing a huge financial challenge before the upcoming NHL trade deadline.
Hockey expert Frank Seravalli says that for the team to make any moves, they first need to deal veteran player Andrew Mangiapane.
The Oilers really want to improve their team to make a strong push for the Stanley Cup, but they are stuck with their current salary cap situation.
Seravalli pointed out that Edmonton can’t make any trades before the deadline unless they first get rid of Mangiapane and his big contract.
Frank Seravalli: About Andrew Mangiapane: The Oilers cannot make a trade deadline deal… without moving him first. The real question now is whether the Oilers will need to give up something valuable to unload his contract.
Trading away a player who isn’t performing well is tough in today’s NHL, and now the team’s management is dealing with a really difficult situation in the trade market.
The key question isn’t just where Mangiapane will go, but what valuable asset the Oilers will have to give up just to get rid of his salary.
Oilers face tough reality to get rid of Mangiapane’s contract.
It’s practically impossible to find a team willing to take on his salary without giving them a big incentive.
Whether it’s a top-rated young player or important draft picks, the team’s management feels completely trapped right now.
Mangiapane hasn’t scored enough to show he’s worth his contract, which makes him a clear financial burden for a team that needs to win now.
Removing his salary is really important for the team to make major trades that would help Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
The competition for the playoffs in the Western Conference is very tough, and doing nothing at the trade deadline isn’t a choice for this strong team.
If the Oilers aim to get a tough defensive player or a dependable winger for depth, they need to sort out the Mangiapane issue right away.
Fans should be ready for a carefully planned money move to happen soon as Edmonton urgently seeks to make more room in their budget.
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