The Edmonton Oilers are preparing themselves for significant roster adjustments as their lineup returns to full health. Andrew Mangiapane is the most likely candidate due for a change of scenery.
Mangiapane’s two-year contract worth $3.6M annually came with expectations of reliable secondary scoring. Instead, the veteran forward has managed just five goals and 11 points across 39 games. Numbers that fall well short of what Edmonton envisioned when they inked the deal.
The former Calgary Flame holds a full no-movement clause through mid-June, but recent developments suggest both parties may be open to exploring alternatives. General Manager Stan Bowman has begun clearing roster space recently placing Noah Philp on waivers and terminating David Tomasek’s contract signaling potential movement ahead.
Andrew Mangiapane willing to waive no-trade clause if perfect role turns up
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman recently discussed the situation noting similarities to recent trades involving players in difficult situations referencing Mason Marchment’s fresh start after leaving Seattle.
Speaking on the latest episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman revealed that discussions are already underway regarding Mangiapane’s future with the organization. The insider noted that while nothing constitutes a formal trade demand, there is a growing understanding between both sides that a change might serve everyone’s best interests.
“I think there is an understanding there that if the Oilers can find something for Mangiapane with another team where he might have a bigger role, he would be willing to waive in that situation,” Friedman explained during the broadcast.
According to the insider, Mangiapane recognizes his situation in Edmonton isn’t working and would be open to facilitating a move to a team offering greater opportunity.
Friedman drew parallels to recent trades involving players in similar predicaments specifically mentioning situations that simply “weren’t working out.” He cited examples like Philip Danault’s move and Marchment’s departure from Seattle as deals made primarily to give struggling players fresh starts elsewhere.
“Those were players who were dealt because, look, it just wasn’t working out and to try to move on and find a better situation,” Friedman noted suggesting Mangiapane’s case follows this familiar pattern.
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Oilers bottom-six becoming a problem area
Edmonton’s depth forward situation has also reached a troubling trend. During Saturday’s loss to Calgary, Mangiapane skated on the third line alongside Matt Savoie and Adam Henrique producing virtually no impact over 11:42 of ice time. The trio failed to generate offence or establish any meaningful presence.
The fourth line performed equally poorly with Trent Frederic, Max Jones, and Mattias Janmark combining for three minus ratings, zero shots on goal, and just three hits between them.
With the roster finally returning to full health and younger players stepping up, competition for ice time has increased suddenly. Mangiapane now faces the very real possibility of becoming a healthy scratch if his situation doesn’t change before the trade deadline.
Mangiapane decision will roll out in the coming weeks
According to Friedman, the situation will develop over the coming weeks as Bowman explores potential trade partners. The key factor will be finding a team where Mangiapane could secure a larger role and regular ice time which is something increasingly difficult to guarantee in Edmonton’s crowded lineup.
For Mangiapane, waiving his no-trade clause might represent his best path forward. For the Oilers, moving on could open crucial roster space and financial flexibility as they chase championship aspirations.
The veteran winger was a healthy scratch for Monday night’s game against Winnipeg which again indicates his diminishing role. As Friedman suggested, both player and organization appear to recognize that sometimes the best solution for everyone involved is simply a fresh start elsewhere.
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