Andrew Mangiapane’s Fit in Edmonton Isn’t Working - Could a Trade Be on the Horizon?
As the NHL’s Olympic roster freeze nears its end, one name to keep an eye on in trade chatter is Edmonton Oilers forward Andrew Mangiapane. The 29-year-old winger has had a tough go in Edmonton, and at this point, it feels like both sides could benefit from a fresh start.
Let’s be clear: Mangiapane hasn’t found his rhythm with the Oilers. Through 49 games, he’s posted just six goals and six assists - 12 points total - and sits at a minus-21 on the season.
He’s also been a healthy scratch multiple times, which speaks volumes about how things have gone. This isn’t the version of Mangiapane we’ve seen in the past, and the fit just hasn’t materialized the way Edmonton likely hoped.
That’s why his name is starting to circulate more frequently in trade discussions, especially as teams start preparing for the stretch run or, in some cases, the long game of a rebuild. One team being floated as a potential landing spot? The Vancouver Canucks.
The Canucks are in a position where they could take on a contract like Mangiapane’s - $3.6 million against the cap - if it means adding assets for the future. With Vancouver in rebuild mode, there’s little risk in rolling the dice on a player like Mangiapane, especially if a draft pick or prospect sweetens the deal. He may not be a slam-dunk bounce-back candidate, but he’s still a player with NHL experience, and in the right system, there’s reason to believe he could regain some of his form.
From a roster standpoint, Mangiapane could slot into Vancouver’s top nine and potentially contribute on the second power-play unit. That kind of role might be exactly what he needs - more ice time, a bit of trust from the coaching staff, and a chance to play through mistakes without the pressure of immediate results.
For Edmonton, moving Mangiapane could be about more than just cutting ties. It’s also about flexibility.
Shedding his cap hit would give the Oilers more room to address other areas of need as they push toward the postseason. Whether that means shoring up depth, adding a more productive winger, or bringing in help on the back end, freeing up cap space is always valuable.
So, while nothing is imminent, the writing feels like it’s on the wall. Mangiapane’s time in Edmonton may be nearing its end, and the question now becomes which team is willing to take a chance - and what the Oilers can get in return.