The Edmonton Oilers have been active leading up to the trade deadline, acquiring forward Jason Dickinson and prospect Colton Dach from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for forward Andrew Mangiapane. The move, finalized on Wednesday, aims to bolster the Oilers’ forward depth as they push for a playoff run. This transaction comes with significant implications for Edmonton’s future draft capital and underscores their commitment to contending this season.
The Oilers parted ways with their 2027 first-round pick to secure Dickinson and Dach, a price that some observers have questioned. But, the team is clearly prioritizing immediate improvement. Adding to the complexity, Edmonton previously traded their 2026 first-round pick to the San Jose Sharks in a deal for defenseman Jake Walman last season, meaning the Oilers will not have a first-round selection in the upcoming draft either. The acquisition of Dickinson, a pending unrestricted free agent, represents a short-term solution at center, reminiscent of the team’s acquisition of Nick Bjugstad from Utah in March 2023.
Dickinson, 29, brings a veteran presence and defensive responsibility to the Oilers’ lineup. The Blackhawks agreed to retain 50% of Dickinson’s $4.25 million cap hit, easing the financial burden on Edmonton. Colton Dach, the younger brother of Montreal Canadiens center Kirby Dach, is a 23-year-old winger who was originally drafted by Chicago in 2021. His inclusion in the trade helps the Blackhawks secure a first-round pick, a valuable asset for a rebuilding team.
The conditions attached to the 2027 first-round pick are noteworthy. If the Oilers’ pick falls within the top-12 of the draft order, Edmonton has the option to defer the pick to their 2028 first-round selection. Should the Oilers trade their 2028 first-rounder before the 2027 trade deadline, the 2027 pick will automatically transfer to Chicago. These stipulations add layers of complexity to the deal and highlight the Blackhawks’ desire to maximize the return on their asset.
The trade too has ripple effects beyond Edmonton, and Chicago. As Pro Hockey Rumors details, the earlier trade of the 2026 first-round pick to San Jose for Jake Walman now becomes fully unprotected. This means the Sharks will receive Edmonton’s 2026 first-round pick without any protection, regardless of where the Oilers finish in the standings. This is a significant outcome of the Oilers’ decision to move their 2027 pick, as it directly impacts their future flexibility.
The Oilers’ pursuit of forward depth comes after a recent 5-4 loss to the San Jose Sharks on February 28, 2026, as documented by CBS Sports. Shakir Mukhamadullin had a standout performance for the Sharks in that game, adding to the sting of the defeat for Edmonton.
Mangiapane’s departure addresses a challenging contract situation for the Oilers. His $3.5 million cap hit will provide Chicago with some financial flexibility. While the Oilers are hoping Dickinson can provide a spark, his performance will be closely scrutinized as a potential rental player who could become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
The acquisition of Dickinson and Dach represents a calculated gamble by the Oilers’ management team. They’ve sacrificed future draft capital to address immediate needs, betting that these additions will be enough to propel them deeper into the playoffs. The success of this trade will ultimately be judged by the Oilers’ performance in the postseason.
Looking ahead, the Oilers will necessitate to integrate Dickinson and Dach into their lineup quickly and effectively. The team’s coaching staff will be tasked with finding the right line combinations to maximize their impact. The coming weeks will be crucial as the Oilers prepare for the stretch run and the challenges of the playoffs.
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