Columbus Blue Jackets
Do Blue Jackets and Oilers Last-Minute Scratches Mean Trade Fit?
Late scratches for Andrew Mangiapane and Sean Monahan have sparked NHL trade speculation. Is there anything to this?
Late lineup changes around the NHL often raise eyebrows, but when they involve recognizable names, the speculation ramps up quickly. That was the case on Monday night when Andrew Mangiapane was a late healthy scratch for the Edmonton Oilers, while Sean Monahan was ruled out for the Columbus Blue Jackets under the vague designation of “maintenance.”
Individually, each situation has a plausible explanation. Together, they have fueled league-wide chatter.
Mangiapane Held Out as Trade Noise Grows
Mangiapane’s absence came during Edmonton’s matchup against Winnipeg, where he was listed as a healthy scratch despite no public indication of injury. Originally slated to be on the fourth line, the forward was suddenly scratched. Reports earlier in the day suggested that the Oilers had granted Mangiapane’s agent permission to explore trade options. However, follow-up reporting indicated that neither the player nor his agent had been formally informed of a completed or imminent deal.
That contradiction only added fuel to the fire. Sometimes, holding players back like this is just to be safe—teams don’t want anyone getting hurt while they’re talking things over. Edmonton’s up against the salary cap and needs some wiggle room on its roster, so Mangiapane’s name comes up as someone they could trade, even if there’s no deal yet.
TSN’s Ryan Rishaug added, “Mangiapane’s play is the reason he’s scratched tonight. This isn’t surprising considering where his game has been most of the season. Probably overdue. Frederic, before, now Mangiapane, Knoblauch, setting a higher standard for playing time and resetting underachieving players.”
Monahan’s Absence Comes With an Asterisk
In Columbus, Monahan was also held out, though the Blue Jackets cited maintenance as the reason. Multiple reports have since emphasized that Monahan is dealing with a minor injury issue, suggesting his absence may be more about caution than commerce.
Still, Monahan’s name has been a frequent fixture in trade speculation across the league. A proven center with playoff experience, he fits the profile of a deadline target for contenders seeking depth down the middle. Columbus, meanwhile, sits in a position where listening on veterans makes organizational sense.
Coincidence—or Something More?
It’s hard not to notice the timing, even though there’s no proof these situations are related. Two well-known forwards are out, neither with a major injury, and both are rumored to be on the trading block – that kind of thing makes you wonder.
Right now, it’s best to stick to the facts. Monahan seems to be out because of an injury, but Mangiapane being scratched seems more about the roster and salary cap. We’ll see if these stories lead to any actual trades. People around the league will be watching closely in the next few days.
Next: What Changed? Analyst Points to 3 Forwards in Mangiapane-Oilers Shift
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