Oilers Waive Mangiapane and Regula, Recall Samanski and Howard

Edmonton makes strategic roster moves to optimize cap space and address player performance

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:24am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented hockey game, with the players and ice represented as angular, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette, conveying the strategic nature of the Oilers' roster decisions.The Oilers' strategic roster moves aim to optimize their lineup and cap space ahead of a busy schedule and the approaching trade deadline.Bakersfield Today

The Edmonton Oilers have waived forwards Andrew Mangiapane and Alec Regula, allowing them to join the AHL's Bakersfield Condors. The team plans to recall Josh Samanski and Isaac Howard from the Condors to fill the gaps. Mangiapane has struggled with production this season, while Regula has had limited success at the NHL level. The Oilers are focused on maximizing cap space and improving their lineup ahead of a busy upcoming schedule.

Why it matters

The Oilers' roster moves are part of a larger strategy to optimize their cap space and address underperforming players. As the trade deadline approaches, these decisions will impact the team's short-term needs and long-term goals as they aim to improve their playoff positioning.

The details

Mangiapane, who signed a two-year, $3.6-million AAV deal with the Oilers last summer, has seen a dip in production this season, scoring 7 goals and 14 points in 52 games. Regula, on the other hand, has only 3 assists in 29 NHL games this year. The Oilers are now looking to recall Samanski and Howard from the Condors to fill these roster spots. Samanski, a 23-year-old German forward, made his NHL debut on January 26 and has 1 goal and 1 assist in 5 games. Howard is on his second recall of the season, having scored 2 goals and 5 points in 28 AHL games.

  • The Oilers play the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday, April 11, 2026.
  • The Oilers host the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Andrew Mangiapane

A forward who signed a two-year, $3.6-million AAV deal with the Oilers last summer but has struggled with production this season.

Alec Regula

A defenseman who has only 3 assists in 29 NHL games this year.

Josh Samanski

A 23-year-old German forward who made his NHL debut on January 26 and has 1 goal and 1 assist in 5 games.

Isaac Howard

A forward who is on his second recall of the season, having scored 2 goals and 5 points in 28 AHL games.

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What they’re saying

“The team's focus on maximizing cap space and addressing player performance is a testament to their commitment to success.”

— Jason Gregor, Oilersnation reporter

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Oilers' roster moves highlight the delicate balance they are navigating between short-term needs and long-term goals as they aim to optimize their lineup and cap space ahead of the trade deadline and upcoming games.