Speaking with Jeff Marek on a recent episode of The Sheet, analyst David Pagnotta shared the latest news about trade talks between the Edmonton Oilers and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Reports of Leafs rebuilding reach teams everywhere
Pagnotta’s remarks match what Insider Elliotte Friedman said, who mentioned that other teams are also talking with Toronto about Nic Roy and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, two players the Leafs seem willing to trade away. Initially, it was reported that Edmonton wanted Toronto’s Bobby McMann, who could greatly help the Oilers as they prepare for a playoff run.
The Sheet (Feb 6): EDM and TOR are talking but Pagnotta says thy haven’t talked on McMann. He wouldn’t be shocked if EDM is looking at Nic Roy and Ekman-Larsson. #LetsGoOilers #LeafsForever #NHL pic.twitter.com/DqiPbc0BhE
— NHL Trade Alert (@NHLTradeAlert) February 7, 2026
Now, that information has changed, and the team is looking to take advantage of the conversation.
Roy would help Edmonton get a third-line center, and OEL would brighten their defense’s right side, which they currently need.
Bringing in these two players gives Coach Knoblauch more options with his lineup, especially with Nuge, who could stay with McDavid on the top line, where he plays best.
This also allows the coach to move Darnell Nurse down to the third defense pair, where he can be more effective even if he gets less time on the ice. Nurse has had a tough time on the second defensive pair this season and has often been criticized for being out of position.
The Sheet (Feb 6): More on Edmonton, Pagnotta thinks they want someone on the backend that can shut things down and a middle 6 forward. Will need to move Mangiapane as they don’t have cap space. #LetsGoOilers #NHL pic.twitter.com/JyAujpmITX
— NHL Trade Alert (@NHLTradeAlert) February 7, 2026
The main issue for Edmonton is the salaries of the two Leafs players, which add up to $6.5 million. The Oilers expect to have about $2.9 million in cap space when the trade deadline arrives, so they will have to get rid of some salaries to make a deal happen.
Once again, Mangiapane’s $3.6 million contract is becoming a hurdle in any ongoing negotiations. His contract is likely at the center of any trades that GM Bowman is currently considering.
If Stan Bowman wants to make a significant move before the trade deadline, he will need to swap salaries for the trades to work. This might also lead to the team losing an additional late-round draft pick or a lower-ranked prospect.
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