Edmonton strengthens its lineup as Oilers acquire Dickinson and Colton Dach from Chicago in a key NHL trade shaping the team’s playoff strategy.
The Oilers acquire Jason Dickinson storyline quickly became one of the NHL’s most talked-about trade developments this week. The Edmonton Oilers strengthened their forward lineup on Wednesday night by completing a deal with the Chicago Blackhawks that sends forwards Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach to Edmonton. In exchange, Chicago receives Andrew Mangiapane and a conditional first-round draft pick in 2027.
The draft pick included in the deal comes with top-12 protection, adding flexibility for Edmonton if the selection lands among the earliest picks. Chicago also agreed to retain 50 percent of Dickinson’s salary, making the acquisition more manageable for the Oilers’ salary structure.
Oilers Reshape Forward Depth
Edmonton’s decision to bring in Dickinson and Dach reflects the team’s effort to add depth and versatility to its forward group. The Oilers cleared roster space by moving forward Curtis Lazar to long-term injured reserve, which allowed the organization to finalize the trade.
Dickinson, a seasoned NHL forward, brings experience and defensive reliability to the lineup. The 30-year-old is currently in his 11th NHL season and has played 549 regular-season games across stints with the Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks, and Dallas Stars.
Two seasons ago, Dickinson enjoyed the most productive campaign of his career. During that season, he recorded personal bests with 22 goals and 13 assists, a performance that later helped him secure a contract valued at $4.25 million.
Although he has not replicated that breakout form this year, Dickinson remains a dependable two-way forward. This season he has produced six goals and seven assists while continuing to contribute in key defensive situations.
Dach Adds Youth and Potential
Alongside Dickinson, the Oilers also gain a younger option in Colton Dach. The 22-year-old forward has appeared in 53 games with Chicago this season, collecting three goals and six assists.
Dach was originally selected 62nd overall by the Blackhawks in the 2021 NHL Draft. Interestingly, that selection occurred when Oilers general manager Stan Bowman was still working within Chicago’s front office, which may have contributed to Edmonton’s familiarity with the player.
While Dach is still developing his NHL game, Edmonton will likely view him as a depth forward with long-term upside. His addition could provide flexibility as the Oilers continue adjusting their roster throughout the season.
Blackhawks Take on Mangiapane Contract
On the other side of the trade, the Blackhawks receive Andrew Mangiapane along with the conditional first-round pick. Chicago will assume the remaining $3.6-million annual salary attached to Mangiapane’s contract over the next two seasons.
Mangiapane has experienced a challenging year offensively. Through 52 games this season, he recorded just 14 points, and he was recently assigned to the American Hockey League.
The 28-year-old forward also had to waive his no-trade clause to finalize the move to Chicago, making the transaction possible for both organizations.
Second Oilers–Blackhawks Trade This Week
This deal marks the second transaction between the Oilers and Blackhawks in the same week, highlighting ongoing roster adjustments for both teams.
Earlier in the week, Edmonton acquired veteran defenseman Connor Murphy from Chicago in exchange for a second-round draft pick. Together, these moves signal the Oilers’ effort to reinforce both their forward depth and defensive stability as the season progresses.
With Dickinson’s experience and Dach’s potential now joining the lineup, Edmonton hopes the changes will provide a boost as the team continues its push toward the postseason.
