The Edmonton Oilers’ roster puzzle is becoming increasingly complex as forward Andrew Mangiapane’s tenure with the team appears to be reaching its end with insider reports suggesting a trade could materialize soon.
Mangiapane, who signed a two-year deal worth $3.6M AAV this past summer, has struggled to find his footing in Edmonton. His recent healthy scratch against the Winnipeg Jets on December 29 stood for the growing disconnect between player and organization.
Andrew Mangiapane didn’t hide his emotions when discussing his recent healthy scratch against the Jets. The 29-year-old forward found himself watching from the press box, a clear signal that his time with the organization may be running out.
“There was a bit of anger I didn’t play last game but that’s behind us now,” Mangiapane acknowledged in his post-scratch comments. His candid admission revealed the growing tension between the former Calgary Flame and his current team as he struggles to find his role in Edmonton’s system.
Agent granted permission to explore trade options
The uncertainty surrounding Mangiapane’s future has moved beyond speculation. His agent, Allen Roy, has reportedly been granted permission by the Oilers to actively shop his client to interested teams in a development that essentially confirms the relationship has reached an impasse.
When asked about his status, Mangiapane was straightforward about the ambiguity:
“To be honest, I’m not really sure [where things stand]. That’s the business side of it. We’ll see how it plays out but it’s something that’s beyond my control. I will continue to focus on hockey.”
The forward’s no-trade clause adds another layer of complexity to potential deals though Mangiapane hasn’t outwardly rejected the idea of a trade when questioned about it. He may indeed be open to a fresh start elsewhere.
Mangiapane addresses underwhelming production
The numbers tell a harsh story for Mangiapane’s time in Edmonton. Through 40 games, he has managed just 11 points. Production that simply doesn’t justify his $3.6M cap hit especially for a player who has found himself relegated to fourth-line minutes.
The lack of confidence and grit in his play has been evident with Mangiapane himself recognizing the deficiencies:
“For myself, I have to be more on the puck, closer in the battles, be tenacious. Be in the battle, not on the perimeter waiting for somebody to get me the puck…move my feet.”
Despite his self-awareness about what needs to change, the Oilers appear to have already made their decision about his future with the club.
Cap crunch forces Edmonton’s hand
The Oilers roster situation has also reached a critical juncture making Mangiapane’s departure quite necessary. Currently operating in LTIR, Edmonton faces a cap nightmare as they attempt to juggle multiple roster moves simultaneously.
The team needs to activate both Kasperi Kapanen and Jake Walman from LTIR while integrating recent call-ups Quinn Hutson and Isaac Howard from the Bakersfield Condors.
With Mangiapane eating up $1.5M in actual cap space while the team operates in LTIR, there’s simply no flexibility for the required moves.
Temporarily placing goaltender Tristan Jarry on LTIR could provide short-term relief if his injury extends beyond a few more weeks, but that’s merely a band-aid solution. The only permanent fix is moving Mangiapane’s contract off the books entirely.
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Mangiapane’s trade value at rock bottom per Insider
NHL insider Frank Seravalli delivered sobering news for Oilers management regarding any potential Mangiapane trade. According to his recent Insider Notebook update from December 30, Edmonton shouldn’t expect anything in return for the struggling forward.
“I think there’s a potential with Andrew Mangiapane to move on; I don’t know that the Oilers would have to retain money at this point, but what you can do is cross off any return; the point should be to try and move on from the contract,” Seravalli stated.
At this stage, simply finding a team willing to absorb Mangiapane’s full $3.6M contract without salary retention would constitute a major victory for Edmonton’s front office. The Oilers can’t afford to allocate nearly $4M to their bottom line. It’s financial dead weight they desperately need to shed.
Prospects creating roster pressure
The urgency to resolve the Mangiapane situation has only increased with the emergence of prospects demanding NHL opportunities. Ike Howard has been particularly impressive recording 10 points in his last five AHL games, production that can’t be ignored much longer.
With both Howard and Hutson already recalled to the NHL roster, roster spots are becoming increasingly precious. Mangiapane represents the most obvious odd man out given his struggles and hefty cap hit.
If Mangiapane does remain in the Oilers lineup over the coming games, the team could be giving him one last chance to prove his worth, but more likely, they’re showing him to potential trade partners in an attempt to demonstrate he still has value to another organization that might utilize him differently.
The clock is ticking on Mangiapane’s time in Edmonton. With roster moves already executed to accommodate Hutson and Howard, and with Kapanen and Walman still needing activation a trade announcement could come at any moment.
For a player who arrived in Edmonton with hopes of contributing to a Stanley Cup contender, the reality has been far different. Now, both sides appear ready to move on with the only remaining question being which team will take a chance on the veteran forward and provide him the fresh start he and the Oilers desperately need.
