Andrew Mangiapane and the Oilers: A Split That Feels Inevitable
It’s becoming increasingly clear that Andrew Mangiapane’s time in Edmonton is nearing its end. The winger has been a healthy scratch multiple times, and reports suggest he’s ready to move on. The fit just hasn’t worked, and at this point, both sides seem to know it.
This isn’t how either party envisioned things going. When Mangiapane arrived, the expectation was that he’d slot into Edmonton’s middle six and bring some punch to the secondary scoring.
After all, we’re talking about a guy who’s scored 35 goals in a season-he can shoot, he can skate, and he’s proven he can contribute at the NHL level. But for whatever reason-role, linemates, mindset-it never clicked.
Now, the conversation has shifted from “how do we make this work?” to “how do we move on?”
The Trade Route: Best-Case Scenario
From Edmonton’s perspective, a trade is the cleanest solution. Mangiapane has reportedly agreed to waive his no-trade clause for certain teams, which opens the door for potential movement.
That’s a positive step. It shows he recognizes the situation and is willing to do what’s necessary to get a fresh start.
But here’s the challenge: what kind of role is he realistically going to find elsewhere? He’s been skating in a bottom-six role with the Oilers, and when he’s not producing, he’s been out of the lineup entirely. Any team acquiring him is likely viewing him through a similar lens-a depth piece, not a top-line fix.
Unless a team sees untapped potential and believes a change of scenery will reignite his game, the market’s going to be limited. And even if there is a suitor, what’s Edmonton getting back?
A late-round pick? A mid-tier prospect?
At this point, the return might not matter as much as simply freeing up the roster spot and moving forward.
If a Trade Doesn’t Happen…
If a deal doesn’t materialize, waivers and a buyout become real options. It’s not ideal-buyouts come with cap penalties-but sometimes the cleanest break comes with a bit of financial pain.
Putting him on waivers would be the first step. If he clears, the Oilers could send him to the AHL or negotiate a buyout.
Again, not the preferred route, but if the alternative is keeping a disengaged player on the roster while younger, hungrier talent waits in the wings, then it becomes a question of roster efficiency.
Youth Movement Pressing In
That’s the other part of this equation: Edmonton has young players knocking on the door. Quinn Hutson, Matt Savoie, Isaac Howard-these are guys trying to carve out a role, earn minutes, and prove they belong.
They’re motivated. They’re invested.
And right now, it’s tough to justify giving Mangiapane ice time over players who are fully bought in.
It’s not a knock on Mangiapane’s skill-his track record speaks for itself-but if the mental side of the game isn’t there, and the production isn’t following, then it becomes a numbers game. The Oilers need every roster spot working toward a playoff push. Dead weight, even if it’s talented dead weight, can drag a team down.
What Happens Next?
The hope is still a trade. That’s the outcome that gives Mangiapane a new opportunity and gives Edmonton a clean slate.
But if he’s being selective about where he’s willing to go-only contenders, only certain markets-that makes things trickier. At some point, if you want out badly enough, you have to be willing to go where the opportunity is, not just where it’s most comfortable.
The Oilers gave Mangiapane a shot. They brought him in with a vision for what he could be in their lineup.
It didn’t work out. That happens.
Now it’s about finding the right way to move forward-for the player, for the team, and for a locker room that needs clarity as it pushes deeper into the season.
One way or another, this situation is heading toward a resolution. Whether it’s a trade, waivers, or a buyout, the writing’s on the wall. Mangiapane’s time in Edmonton is winding down, and the next chapter is waiting-wherever that may be.