Latest Oilers rumors: Insider $4,500,000 forward to Edmonton's trade block

The Edmonton Oilers trade rumors continues to grind this season. Prevailing talk suggest the Oilers could be in the market to move a defenseman amid a glut of bottom-pairing, depth blueliners.

But renowned insider David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period suggested another name could be on the block. Specifically, Pagnotta singled out veteran center Mattias Janmark as a player who could be a major part of the Oilers trade rumors this season.

Pagnotta stated the following during a November 5 appearance on DFO Rundown:

“Janmark's name is out there as well, Tomasek. They've got some guys that they can potentially move around and juggle to free up additional cap space.”

Janmark, who’s in the second year of a three-year, $4.5 million contract, carries a $1.45 million cap hit. He’s currently on the shelf with an undisclosed injury and looks to have lost his spot on the club's fourth line.

As such, he could become expendable. With teams looking for center depth around the league, Janmark could become an enticing option for a team desperately looking to fill out their bottom-six forward spots. That's why Janmark could be the most prominent name in current Oilers trade rumors.

The 34-year-old has yet to play a game this season. He scored two goals and 18 points in 80 games last season for the Oilers.

Oilers trade rumors focusing on clearing cap space for returning player

The Oilers are facing a considerable challenge with the impending return of Zach Hyman this season. Hyman sustained a wrist injury during last spring’s playoffs. The injury necessitated surgery, leaving the forward out until mid-November.

At the moment, Hyman’s $5.5 million cap hit is on LTIR, but once Hyman is eligible to return, Edmonton will need to clear enough space to fit his cap hit under the cap. That’s where a player like Mattias Janmark or blueliners like Troy Stecher and Ty Emberson could become top names within Oilers trade rumors. The club needs to clear space, and there’s only so much they can do at this point.

As it stands, the team only has $325K in available cap space as shown by PuckPedia. That cap space includes Hyman’s cap hit on LTIR. As such, once Hyman comes off LTIR, the Oilers won’t have enough space to include him in the lineup.

While burying part of Janmark’s cap hit in the AHL could be an alternative, a trade might be the best way to go with Janmark. Unfortunately, the veteran forward could face the same fate Derek Ryan did last season.

The Oilers waived Ryan to make room for other additions at the trade deadline. The veteran ultimately opted to retire amid a lack of more NHL opportunities.

Janmark could face a similar situation, potentially landing in Bakersfield as a depth option in case injuries continue to be an issue for Edmonton this season.