The trade winds are swirling around Edmonton once again - this time, it’s winger Andrew Mangiapane who finds himself at the center of the conversation. The 29-year-old forward has been in and out of the Oilers’ lineup over the past month, and with the deadline drawing closer, general manager Stan Bowman is actively working the phones to find a new home for him.
Mangiapane’s recent status as a healthy scratch has only added fuel to the speculation. It’s not often a player of his caliber - with a history of 20-goal seasons and the kind of two-way game coaches love - ends up sitting in the press box. But that’s been the case in Edmonton, where the roster crunch and inconsistent production have left him on the outside looking in.
According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, it’s not for lack of effort on the Oilers’ part. Bowman has reportedly been in consistent talks with multiple teams, but so far, a deal hasn’t materialized.
“My understanding is that the Oilers are having ongoing conversations with teams open-minded about a return,” LeBrun said. “But there hasn’t been a fit so far.”
That doesn’t mean there’s no market. LeBrun mentioned the Winnipeg Jets, Ottawa Senators, and St. Louis Blues as potential landing spots - three teams currently sitting outside the playoff picture, but still looking to add NHL-caliber talent with term.
And that’s where Mangiapane’s contract becomes a bit of a double-edged sword. He signed a two-year, $7.2 million deal with Edmonton as a free agent in July 2025, carrying a $3.6 million cap hit through the 2026-27 season.
For cap-strapped contenders, that’s a tough pill to swallow for a player with just six goals on the year. But for teams looking ahead - ones not worried about this season’s playoff race - that extra year of control could be a selling point.
It’s a tricky spot for Bowman. Mangiapane hasn’t been producing at the level Edmonton hoped for when they brought him in, but he’s still a proven NHL forward with a track record. The challenge is finding a team that values what he brings now and sees enough upside in his game to take on the remaining term.
Communication between the Oilers and Mangiapane’s camp, led by agent Allain Roy, has reportedly remained positive throughout the process. That’s an encouraging sign, especially in situations like this where tensions can sometimes boil over.
“My sense is that Bowman’s communication with the player’s agent has been as positive and constructive as it can be, given the difficult circumstances,” LeBrun noted.
Beyond the three teams mentioned, there’s been chatter around other clubs like Anaheim, Detroit, and Boston - all of whom have reportedly at least kicked the tires on Mangiapane in recent weeks. Whether any of those discussions gain traction remains to be seen.
For now, Mangiapane remains in Edmonton, waiting for clarity on his future. The Oilers, meanwhile, are navigating a tight cap situation and a playoff push, trying to make the most of every roster spot. If a deal does come together, it’ll likely be one that reflects both the reality of Mangiapane’s current production and the potential a change of scenery could unlock.
The clock is ticking toward the trade deadline, and while nothing’s imminent just yet, the groundwork is clearly being laid.