Nhl Trade Alert: Oilers’ Murphy pick fuels deadline scramble over Mangiapane, Pettersson and Ekman-Larsson
In a fast-moving nhl trade window, the Edmonton Oilers added right-shot blueliner Connor Murphy and immediately face a cap puzzle that centers on finding a new home for Andrew Mangiapane before Friday’s 3: 00 p. m. ET deadline. Team-building decisions in Vancouver, Toronto and elsewhere are unfolding as teams weigh big contracts and player no-movement controls. As of 12: 30 p. m. ET on March 3, 2026, insiders say the next 72 hours will determine whether several high-profile moves materialize.
Nhl Trade: Oilers must clear Mangiapane to chase a playoff-ready forward
The Oilers’ acquisition of Connor Murphy was immediate and concrete; the follow-up is roster and salary flexibility. Pierre LeBrun, hockey insider, said the No. 1 priority is finding a new home for Andrew Mangiapane, who cleared waivers and carries one year at $3. 6 million on his contract. LeBrun emphasized that moving Mangiapane is the prerequisite for Edmonton to pursue what it views as a playoff-ready addition — ideally a third-line centre or a rugged winger with physicality.
LeBrun framed the Oilers’ short list as players in the mold of a Nick Roy-type fit and noted that the team wants a “playoff type player” to add depth. The club’s window is tight: moves must align before the 3: 00 p. m. ET trade cutoff on Friday.
Defence, control and contracts: Ekman-Larsson, Myers and Pettersson in play
Defensive targets and player control clauses are complicating the market. Elliotte Friedman, hockey analyst, highlighted Oliver Ekman-Larsson as a legitimate Oilers interest but warned the defenseman holds a modified no-movement clause that would require his approval for any move to Edmonton. Bob Stauffer, host, said that other teams have placed a high asking price for Ekman-Larsson, with “a number one” level return discussed elsewhere, a development that would complicate Edmonton’s pursuit.
In Vancouver, the Tyler Myers situation remains patient and deliberate. Pierre LeBrun noted Myers and his agent are taking time to evaluate interest and options, with one offer from Detroit still on the table. On the scoring-side, teams continue to check in on Elias Pettersson’s contract ahead of the deadline as they assess whether they can absorb part or all of his deal.
Immediate reactions and what insiders are saying
Brian Lawton, NHL insider, described the Connor Murphy move as potentially the “calm before the storm, ” signaling more Oilers activity could follow. Pierre LeBrun warned the Oilers will likely need to trade out a contract before adding a top-nine forward, while Bob Stauffer suggested competing offers and player control make some headline targets harder to land.
Quick context: the trade deadline looms 72 hours out from the March 3 timestamp, and the Oilers have already placed roster pieces on waivers as part of their maneuvering. Ekman-Larsson is noted in the market as a 34-year-old defenseman in the second year of a four-year deal signed in 2024, producing 35 points in 60 games in the current season.
What’s next: Expect a flurry of activity as teams chase short-term upgrades and cap relief. Watch Edmonton’s efforts to move Mangiapane and the choices of players with modified no-movement clauses; decisions by players and rival offers may determine whether a blockbuster nhl trade becomes the headline move before Friday’s 3: 00 p. m. ET deadline. Insiders caution patience but say the next 48–72 hours will be decisive.
