BREAKING NEWS: Oilers defeat Maple Leafs to Sign Key Free Agent Forward star player.

Edmonton, Alberta — In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves across the NHL landscape, the Edmonton Oilers have won a heated free agency showdown against the Toronto Maple Leafs, officially signing top free-agent forward Andrew Mangiapane to a four-year, $22 million contract.

The move strengthens Edmonton’s top-nine forward group, bolsters its two-way game, and sends a strong message to the Western Conference: the Oilers are all in.

Mangiapane, a 28-year-old left winger, spent the last seven seasons with the Calgary Flames and now makes the rare and dramatic shift from southern Alberta to northern Alberta—an intra-provincial move that adds even more fuel to the Battle of Alberta.

Contract Details

• Team: Edmonton Oilers
• Length: 4 years
• Total Value: $22 million
• AAV: $5.5 million
• Modified No-Trade Clause: Kicks in Year 2

Mangiapane is expected to play a top-six role and provide the Oilers with the defensive awareness, forechecking tenacity, and finishing touch they’ve been searching for to complement superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

The Maple Leafs were one of several serious contenders for Mangiapane, reportedly offering a comparable deal with strong ties to his hometown of Toronto. But sources close to the situation say Oilers GM Ken Holland, alongside McDavid and Draisaitl, made a personal recruiting push that resonated deeply with the former Flame.

“Mangiapane loved the idea of staying in Canada, staying in the West, and playing for a contender,” said one league executive. “He believes he can help Edmonton win now.”

In a short statement, Mangiapane said:

“It’s an incredible opportunity to join a team with championship aspirations. I can’t wait to get to work in Edmonton. The fan base, the history, and the core talent here—it’s special.”

In 2024–25, Mangiapane posted a solid season with Calgary:

• Games played: 81
• Goals: 23
• Assists: 31
• Points: 54
• +17 rating
• 9 even-strength takeaways per 60 minutes (Top 25 NHL)

He is a strong five-on-five scorer and a key penalty killer. While not a high-volume shooter, he excels at puck retrieval, transition play, and converting in tight spaces. Advanced analytics show that Mangiapane consistently drives play, with an expected goals share (xGF%) over 57% during his last two seasons.

His best career season came in 2021–22, when he scored 35 goals, showcasing his high ceiling when surrounded by talent.

Mangiapane’s arrival gives head coach Kris Knoblauch flexibility across the top three lines. Here’s how the Oilers’ projected lineup could now shake out:

Line 1:
LW: Andrew Mangiapane
C: Connor McDavid
RW: Zach Hyman

Line 2:
LW: Dylan Holloway
C: Leon Draisaitl
RW: Isaac Howard

Line 3:
LW: Warren Foegele
C: Ryan McLeod
RW: Corey Perry (or UFA acquisition)

With Evander Kane’s status uncertain and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins shifting to special teams and middle-six roles, Mangiapane provides immediate plug-and-play reliability. He’s expected to get power-play time on the second unit and potentially play on the Oilers’ top penalty-killing pair with McLeod.

This move marks one of the most high-profile player transfers between the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers in recent memory. Though not unheard of (e.g., Ladislav Smid, Cam Talbot), it’s rare for an impact top-six forward to switch sides voluntarily.

And fans on both sides are already reacting.

🟠 @OilersNation: “He wore red. Now he bleeds blue & orange. Welcome to enemy territory, Mangiapane.”
🔴 @FlamesCentral: “Respect to Mangiapane for what he gave us. But seeing him in an Oilers jersey? That’s gonna sting for a while.”

Mangiapane was a fan favorite in Calgary, known for his work ethic, humility, and clutch playoff goals. But his desire to play for a Stanley Cup contender ultimately made the difference.

Toronto had hoped to pair Mangiapane with Auston Matthews or John Tavares, offering him a strong offensive role in his hometown market. But salary cap limitations, uncertainty around the Leafs’ defensive group, and Edmonton’s clearer championship window tilted the scales.

“It’s a tough miss for Toronto,” said TSN’s Darren Dreger. “They wanted him badly. But the Oilers’ pitch was airtight. This could be a series-deciding move come next spring.”

In a statement released shortly after the deal was finalized, Holland said:

“Andrew Mangiapane is a player we’ve respected for a long time. He plays the game the right way—fast, hard, with detail and tenacity. We believe he’s a perfect fit for our group and will help push us closer to our ultimate goal.”

This may also be one of Holland’s final major signings as Oilers GM, with speculation growing that 2025–26 could be his last full season at the helm.

Kevin Weekes (NHL Network):
“Quietly one of the best moves of the offseason. Not just a name—this guy brings playoff DNA.”

Emily Kaplan (ESPN):
“Edmonton’s now got McDavid, Draisaitl, Hyman, and Mangiapane in their top six? That’s scary.”

Frank Seravalli (Daily Faceoff):
“Don’t overlook the value here. Mangiapane is an elite forechecker and fits Edmonton’s system beautifully.”

With McDavid and Draisaitl still leading the charge—and Isaac Howard, Dylan Holloway, and Philip Broberg developing—Edmonton has built a blend of elite star power and ascending youth.

Mangiapane is the missing piece: a plug-and-play glue guy who elevates the floor of your top-six and thrives in playoff-style hockey. His experience, especially under pressure, makes him a vital addition as the Oilers look to push past Western Conference rivals like Dallas, Colorado, and Vegas.

The Oilers didn’t just win a bidding war with the Maple Leafs—they won a player who fills a pressing need, at a manageable cap hit, with prime years still ahead.

Andrew Mangiapane brings speed, grit, scoring touch, and experience. And now, with blue and orange across his chest, he joins a team with one goal: a Stanley Cup championship.

For Oil Country, this might be the most meaningful free-agent addition since Chris Pronger in 2005.

And if things break right, it may be remembered as the signing that brought the Cup back to Edmonton.