Oilers Trade for Depth Before Deadline
The Edmonton Oilers have acquired Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach from the Chicago Blackhawks as part of their playoff push before Friday's trade deadline. Social media shows trade rumors swirling around these players between the Oilers and Blackhawks. This move adds depth to Edmonton's roster as teams across the league ramp up activity to shore up their lineups.
In a corresponding move to create roster space, the Oilers placed forward Curtis Lazar on long-term injured reserve. The trade is the second deal between Edmonton and Chicago this week, following the Oilers' acquisition of veteran defenseman Connor Murphy for a second-round pick. To acquire the two forwards, Edmonton sent winger Andrew Mangiapane and a conditional 2027 first-round draft pick to Chicago. The pick is top-12 protected; if it falls within the top 12, it will become a 2028 first-round selection for the Blackhawks. Mangiapane, who had to waive his no-trade clause, has struggled this season with 14 points in 52 games and recently cleared waivers. The Blackhawks are retaining 50% of Jason Dickinson's $4.25 million salary cap hit, making the acquisition more financially viable for the Oilers. Dickinson, 30, is a pending unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. He has registered six goals and seven assists in 47 games with Chicago this season. Colton Dach, 23, adds a physical presence at 6-foot-4. The former second-round pick from the 2021 NHL Draft has recorded three goals and six assists in 53 games during his first full season in the NHL. This trade reunites him with the general manager who was with Chicago when he was drafted. This trade continues Chicago's strategy of accumulating draft capital for their ongoing rebuild, giving them five first-round picks over the next three NHL Drafts. For Edmonton, the move aims to bolster their forward depth and add defensive responsibility as they push for a deep playoff run, currently sitting third in the Pacific Division.
