The Edmonton Oilers made a notable roster move on March 1, placing forward Andrew Mangiapane and defenceman Alec Regula on waivers. With the trade deadline looming, the timing of the decision is significant — and it raises several questions about what could be coming next.
Waiver placements this close to the deadline are rarely random. More often than not, they signal cap maneuvering, roster flexibility, or groundwork for a larger transaction.
Why Mangiapane on Waivers Is Significant
Mangiapane is the bigger name in this move. Carrying a $3.60 million cap hit, he hasn’t quite delivered the offensive consistency Edmonton may have hoped for. While he brings energy, forechecking, and secondary scoring ability, the Oilers are in a position where every dollar matters.
If Mangiapane clears waivers and is assigned to the AHL, the Oilers would receive substantial cap relief. This would give the team the ability to potentially add help elsewhere, which is exactly what general manager Stan Bowman may do.
If a team is able to claim Mangiapane, the Oilers would lose the cap hit in full and would be able to add another piece to the roster immediately.
Will Anyone Claim Mangiapane?
That’s the big question.
At $3.60 million, Mangiapane isn’t cheap, but he’s not unmovable either. Teams looking for middle-six scoring help — particularly contenders with cap space — could view him as a low-risk addition. His playoff experience and work ethic add value beyond the stat sheet.
However, many teams tight against the cap may hesitate to claim him outright. With only days left before the deadline, some clubs may prefer negotiating a trade where salary retention or assets can be included rather than making a straight waiver claim.
If he clears, it wouldn’t necessarily reflect a lack of league interest — it may simply be about timing and cap logistics.
What About Alec Regula?
Regula’s placement is less headline-grabbing but still meaningful. As a depth defenceman, he provides organizational insurance but hasn’t been a regular fixture in the lineup.
If he clears waivers, he likely returns to the AHL to provide depth and flexibility. If claimed, Edmonton loses a depth piece but frees up a contract slot — something that can matter at the deadline.
Regula being placed on waivers alongside Mangiapane suggests this isn’t just about performance. It feels procedural — clearing space, opening flexibility, and preparing for something.
Is a Trade Incoming?
Waiver moves this close to the deadline often hint at activity brewing.
The Oilers have clear needs:
- A stable defensive partner option
- Depth scoring support
- Potential third-line centre insurance
Having the cap space available – even if it’s temporary – provides Edmonton the opportunity to get aggressive. Whether it’s going after a bigger player or making multiple moves to fill out the roster, flexibility is important.
This could also be a paper move to get the most out of the daily accruals leading up to making a trade. Waivers can often be utilized by teams in the final stretch leading up to the deadline.
What This Means Going Forward
If Mangiapane is claimed, the Oilers would get clarity on their cap situation immediately, which could open the door to a more impactful addition. If he clears, he becomes a movable piece, whether it’s a trade or a cap-clearing assignment.
Ultimately, this suggests the Oilers aren’t standing pat.
With the deadline looming, the waiver wire moves of the day have less to do with the deadline itself and more to do with the start of something potentially much larger.
Next: Insider Shuts Down Adam Henrique Trade Rumor as Deadline Nears
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