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Edmonton Oilers have trade interest in two veteran defencemen but there's a catch: report

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
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Feb 27 2026, 4:56 pm
Edmonton Oilers have trade interest in two veteran defencemen but there's a catch: report
Joe Puetz/Imagn Images

Edmonton Oilers management is going to have to get crafty in order to improve their roster ahead of the playoffs.

The March 6 trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and the Oilers are one of several contenders who would like to add a piece or two. The problem is that they have just $10,294 in cap space, meaning somebody will need to be shipped out.

It’s been believed for some time that Andrew Mangiapane will be the one sent out of town. Things in Edmonton haven’t worked out for the 29-year-old, who joined the organization last offseason on a two-year, $7.2 million deal.

The issue is that it’s been expected that Mangiapane would be traded for months. Clearly, moving off of his contract has been more difficult than management envisioned. That said, if they can find a way to do so, NHL insider Frank Seravalli reports that they have their eyes on two veteran defencemen.

“There are two in particular that I believe the Edmonton Oilers have circled and are paying very close attention to; that is St. Louis Blues defenceman Justin Faulk and Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson,” Seravalli said.

Barring a change in mindset, it appears that should the Oilers be able to free up money, they will then immediately begin looking for help on the blue line.

“They were originally looking for a scoring winger with size,” Seravalli continued. “Now, as they bring Paul Coffey back, they’re trying to get Tristan Jarry adjusted and playing better hockey. They know that they need to defend better.”

Faulk, 33, is in year six of a seven-year contract. The deal carries a $6.5 million cap hit, which the Oilers aren’t close to having room for. In order to make this acquisition work, the Blues would need to retain money or involve a third team.

Despite the salary, it’s easy to see why the Oilers have interest in Faulk. First of all, he plays the right side, which is an area they need to improve. He also remains a very valuable player, averaging north of 22 minutes for the Blues this season while managing 32 points in 58 games.

oilers-faulk

Isaiah J. Downing/Imagn Images

Ekman-Larsson, at least from a money perspective, seems to be the easier target. The 34-year-old is in the second of a four-year deal that carries a team-friendly $3.5 million cap hit.

Despite how rough things are going for the Maple Leafs as a whole, Ekman-Larsson is quietly having one of his best offensive seasons in years. Through 59 games, he’s scored eight goals and 35 points.

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