Andrew Mangiapane’s Curious Case: A Breakout Season, a Big Payday, and a Search for Answers
When Andrew Mangiapane lit the lamp 35 times during the 2021-22 NHL season, it looked like the Calgary Flames had found a gem. A speedy, tenacious winger with a nose for the net, Mangiapane seemed to be blossoming into a top-six scoring threat.
That breakout campaign earned him a hefty three-year, $17.4 million contract-$5.8 million per year-just before arbitration. At the time, it felt like a fair reward for a player who’d seemingly taken the next step.
But fast forward to today, and that one standout season is starting to look more like an outlier than a launching pad.
Since that career year, Mangiapane’s production has cooled-significantly. His goal totals have dropped by more than half in each subsequent season, and now, after short stints with the Washington Capitals and Edmonton Oilers, both of which have been underwhelming, the narrative is shifting. The Oilers, who signed him to a two-year deal at $3.6 million per season this past summer, are already looking for trade partners.
So what happened?
A Closer Look at the 35-Goal Season
According to Ritch Winter, Mangiapane’s former agent, that 35-goal explosion may not have been as sustainable as it looked on paper. In a recent interview, Winter peeled back the curtain on what really fueled that breakout year.
His insight? A significant chunk of those goals-12, to be exact-came off broken plays.
“You have to be aware of the type of goals your player scores,” Winter said. “When Andrew scored 35 goals, he had 12 broken-play goals. Those are very difficult to replicate in the future.”
That’s a telling detail. Broken-play goals-those scrappy, chaotic moments where the puck bounces just right-are hard to bank on year after year.
They’re often more about being in the right place at the right time than repeatable skill. And while you certainly don’t fault a player for capitalizing on those chances, building a long-term projection on that kind of scoring can be risky.
Winter’s comments suggest that while Mangiapane’s camp was well aware of how those goals came about, the Flames may not have fully accounted for it in their evaluation. Calgary, then under GM Brad Treliving, handed out the raise without digging deep enough into the nature of the scoring. It’s a classic case of betting on surface-level production without examining the underlying mechanics.
Edmonton’s Gamble-and Buyer’s Remorse?
Even after the drop-off in production, Mangiapane continued to get opportunities. The Oilers took a swing this offseason, hoping a change of scenery and a more offensive system might help him rediscover his scoring touch. But so far, that hasn’t materialized.
Now, with the trade deadline approaching, Edmonton is reportedly looking to move on. And while the contract isn’t as weighty as the one he signed in Calgary, it still represents a meaningful cap hit for a player who hasn’t delivered consistent offense.
Winter’s public comments only add another layer to the story. It’s rare for a former agent to speak so candidly about a past client, especially in a way that undercuts the player’s value. Whether it’s a case of brutal honesty or simply a reflection of the obvious-Mangiapane’s numbers have been trending down for a while-it’s not the kind of endorsement that helps a player’s trade stock.
The Road Ahead
Mangiapane is now represented by Allain Roy at RSG Hockey, and it’s clear he’s at a crossroads in his career. The talent is there-he’s a hard-working winger who can contribute in a middle-six role-but the expectations that came with that 35-goal season may have set an unfair bar.
For any team considering a move for Mangiapane at the deadline, the key will be realistic expectations. He’s not likely to be the guy who scores 30-plus goals again, but in the right role, with the right deployment, he could still be a useful piece. A change of scenery might help, but only if the fit is right and the pressure is dialed back.
The Oilers, meanwhile, are left trying to recoup value and clear space. It’s a tough spot, especially with the playoffs looming and every dollar of cap space critical.
Ultimately, Mangiapane’s story is a reminder of how volatile goal-scoring can be in the NHL-and how crucial it is for front offices to look beyond the box score. One hot season can change a player’s trajectory, but sustaining that success is a different challenge entirely.