Oilers insider confirms team is shopping veteran in trade to free up roster spot and salary cap

Last week, Oilers insider Bob Stauffer reported the team was interested in clearing some cap space to have some in-season flexibility next year and accrue cap space for a bigger deadline addition. Trading away Janmark could fulfill that goal.

Along with Stauffer's report of the team looking to clear up cap space, he's also mentioned Janmark as the player most likely to leave.

With Noah Philp, Curtis Lazar, David Tomasek, and Kasperi Kapanen all under contract, the Oilers simply don't need to be paying the 4th liner Janmark $1.45M for the next two seasons.

Really, it shouldn't be difficult to replace Mattias Janmark. He's brought some clutch moments in big games by his tenacious effort on the penalty kill and as always reliable in defensive situations, but those are skills that can be taught to any player.

Janmark scored 2 goals in 80 games last year. Only 9 players scored less than Janmark season with a minimum of 80 games played, and 8 of them were defenceman. Practically any Oilers depth player could triple Janmark's offence.

If he is moved out, Janmark will still be be remembered positively by Oilers fans. His playoff runs saw him elevate for 7 goals, including some legendary shorthanded moments with Connor Brown especially in 2024.

If they move out Janmark before next season, they'll fee up $1.45M for two years, allow a roster spot for a younger player, and will very likely get more offence than 2 goals.