The Oilers have signed forward Andrew Mangiapane to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $3.6 million.
In a move that strengthens their forward depth and adds another capable scorer to their lineup, the Edmonton Oilers have announced the signing of forward Andrew Mangiapane to a two-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $3.6 million. The deal, which brings the 27-year-old Canadian forward to Edmonton, is being hailed as a smart and strategic addition to a team already loaded with offensive firepower.
Mangiapane, known for his relentless work ethic, strong two-way play, and ability to score in a variety of situations, is a player who fills a critical need for the Oilers. While the team already boasts two of the best players in the NHL in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, adding Mangiapane to the fold gives them another top-six forward who can contribute offensively, complement the team’s top players, and add additional depth to their roster.
The signing is also an important move for a team that is consistently looking to improve its balance. The Oilers have already established themselves as one of the top offensive teams in the NHL, but their defense and depth have often been questioned. Mangiapane’s versatility, scoring ability, and ability to play in all situations make him an ideal fit for a team trying to go deeper in the playoffs and potentially contend for a Stanley Cup.
Andrew Mangiapane’s rise in the NHL has been both rapid and steady. After being drafted by the Calgary Flames in the sixth round (166th overall) of the 2015 NHL Draft, Mangiapane spent several years in the American Hockey League (AHL) before making his full-time NHL debut with the Flames in 2018. Since then, he has carved out a reputation as a hard-working, reliable forward who can put the puck in the net while contributing to his team’s defensive efforts.
Over the course of his career, Mangiapane has consistently shown he can be a reliable scorer at the NHL level. His breakout season came in 2021-2022 when he scored 35 goals and added 15 assists for 50 points in 82 games. That performance catapulted him into the conversation as one of the league’s more underrated forwards, and it helped cement his place as a key piece of the Flames’ top six. His ability to contribute at both ends of the ice made him particularly valuable to a team that, like the Oilers, had a potent offensive group but was looking for balance.
Mangiapane’s goal-scoring ability is his most well-known trait. He has a quick release, strong shot, and is especially dangerous around the crease, where he has a knack for finding the back of the net in tight spaces. His ability to contribute in even-strength situations, as well as on the power play, gives him added value. Mangiapane is also effective on the penalty kill, showcasing his willingness to play a complete game.
In fact, it’s Mangiapane’s two-way play that has set him apart as a player who can help a team both offensively and defensively. He is known for being hard on the forecheck, creating turnovers, and playing with a consistent level of energy. His ability to play in all situations, whether it’s on the power play, penalty kill, or even strength, makes him an ideal fit for a team looking to go deeper in the postseason.
The Oilers’ signing of Mangiapane is a reflection of the team’s continued quest for balance. While McDavid and Draisaitl are elite offensive players, the Oilers have often been criticized for their lack of depth in certain areas, particularly on the wing. Mangiapane brings with him a wealth of experience playing in all situations, and his two-way game will complement the offensive firepower already present in Edmonton.
Last season, the Oilers made it to the Western Conference Final but ultimately fell short in their quest for a Stanley Cup. One of the areas of concern for the team was depth scoring. McDavid and Draisaitl are undoubtedly two of the best players in the world, but the team struggled at times to get consistent offensive production from other forwards. Mangiapane’s ability to score goals and play a well-rounded game will help ease that burden.
On the defensive side of the puck, Mangiapane’s commitment to playing in all three zones is a welcome addition. His work ethic and attention to detail will provide stability on a team that has sometimes struggled with defensive consistency. Having a player like Mangiapane, who can help in all facets of the game, will allow Coach Jay Woodcroft to mix and match his lines while knowing that Mangiapane can be relied upon in critical situations.
It’s also worth noting that Mangiapane is a strong addition to the Oilers’ special teams units. His ability to kill penalties and contribute to the power play makes him a versatile player who can be used in a variety of roles. His success on the penalty kill, especially, will help the Oilers in their pursuit of a more well-rounded game.
Andrew Mangiapane’s signing gives the Oilers a forward who can slot into multiple roles and add depth to their already stacked forward group. While the top line will likely remain McDavid, Draisaitl, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Mangiapane has the versatility to play alongside these stars or provide scoring depth on a second or third line.
There’s also the possibility that Mangiapane could help balance out the Oilers’ lines and create a more dynamic group as a whole. Whether he’s on the second line with players like Zach Hyman and Mattias Janmark or contributing to the team’s special teams, Mangiapane will provide additional scoring and energy wherever he is placed.
The Oilers have long had a reputation as an offensive juggernaut, but their struggles in key defensive moments have occasionally held them back from achieving postseason success. With Mangiapane, the Oilers now have a forward who can play in all situations, adding an extra layer of security to the roster. His ability to shut down opposing plays, create turnovers, and drive possession will make the Oilers more dangerous defensively and help neutralize high-powered offenses.
Mangiapane’s addition also solidifies the Oilers’ second and third lines, which can be critical in the long haul of an 82-game season. Having Mangiapane in the fold means that the Oilers now have a forward who can score goals, provide grit, and help defensively, even in tough matchups. This newfound depth will be crucial as the team aims for a deep playoff run and, ultimately, a Stanley Cup championship.
Andrew Mangiapane’s two-year deal, with an average annual value of $3.6 million, is a fair contract for both the player and the team. Mangiapane, coming off a solid season where he scored 20 goals and tallied 35 points in 82 games, is being paid a reasonable rate for a player of his skillset and experience. The Oilers are getting a player who has proven he can contribute in the NHL and help a team in all aspects of the game.
For Mangiapane, the two-year term provides a sense of stability and an opportunity to prove that his breakout seasons in Calgary weren’t a fluke. A successful stint with the Oilers could set him up for a longer-term deal in the future, and the term of the contract gives him the opportunity to showcase his talents alongside some of the best players in the game.
From the Oilers’ perspective, the $3.6 million AAV is a reasonable figure for a player who will contribute significantly but not be a primary offensive weapon. It’s a deal that allows the team to retain cap flexibility while adding another capable forward to their roster.
The two-year length also means the Oilers can reassess their roster in a relatively short time, ensuring that the team remains competitive and continues to improve without being locked into long-term contracts that might hinder their flexibility down the road.
With the signing of Mangiapane, the Oilers continue to make moves aimed at deepening their roster and providing their team with the balance necessary to contend for a Stanley Cup. Mangiapane’s addition allows the Oilers to plug a valuable hole in their forward lineup, adding a skilled and versatile player who can contribute both offensively and defensively.
With McDavid and Draisaitl leading the charge, the Oilers have one of the most potent offensive units in the NHL. However, as they found out last season, having offensive firepower alone isn’t always enough. Adding players like Mangiapane—who can help in multiple facets of the game—gives the Oilers the kind of depth that could be the difference-maker in the postseason.
As the team prepares for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Mangiapane and how he adapts to life in Edmonton. Will he be able to gel with McDavid and Draisaitl? Can he bring more stability and defensive prowess to the forward group? With a full season of hockey ahead, these questions will be answered, but one thing is for sure: Andrew Mangiapane’s signing makes the Oilers an even more formidable force in the Western Conference.
With a blend of skill, defensive responsibility, and grit, Mangiapane’s addition further solidifies the Oilers’ position as one of the most dangerous teams in the league. Now, the real test will be whether they can turn that potential into a championship run.
