Western Conference rival trying to make trade with the Oilers

It seems inevitable that the Edmonton Oilers will have to make a trade to clear up space on their roster sooner rather than later, and it sounds like we may have some hints about how that will all play out.

Over the weekend, National Hockey League insider Elliotte Friedman made it clear that he believes he knows who the odd man out in Edmonton is going to be. Friedman pointed to veteran forward Andrew Mangiapane as the most likely trade target while also hinting at a possible destination for him in a trade.

"For the second time in three games the Edmonton Oilers made Andrew Mangiapane a healthy scratch," said Friedman on Hockey Night in Canada. "I do think there is interest in the player... I heard Anaheim was one of the teams kind of poking around here."

There's no question that things haven't worked out for Mangiapane and the Oilers with the forward producing just 5 goals and 6 assists for a total of 11 points. Mangiapane has a brutal plus minus rating of -17 since joining the Oilers and is now averaging just above 12 minutes of ice time a night after seeing his minutes significantly reduced.

That will make it difficult for the Oilers to find a suitable return for the player, but Friedman believes that the Oilers will find a way to make a deal here.

"I do think eventually they are going to be able find a trade partner for him," said Friedman.

No word on what kind of return the Oilers are seeking from the Ducks or anyone else that may be looking to acquire Mangiapane.