Mangiapane: A Middle-Six Fix Forward Teams Actually Need
The Edmonton Oilers are shopping Andrew Mangiapane, and chatter from David Pagnotta and Frank Seravalli suggests a deal could happen at any time. At $3.6 million for this season and next, he’s not a trivial contract, but Edmonton needs the space, and he hasn’t fit into their top-heavy lineup.
Mangiapane is a middle-six winger who brings energy to his play.
Mangiapane isn’t a superstar, but he’s the kind of middle-six winger every team can use. Back in 2021-22 with Calgary, he scored 35 goals and made life miserable for Edmonton in the Battle of Alberta. He brings energy, physicality, and that pest-like edge that can tilt games without the spotlight. He’s reliable, knows his role, and makes plays on the forecheck — the kind of player a team leans on when they need consistent effort from the bottom half of the roster.
So why hasn’t it worked in Edmonton? Partly, it’s the team composition. With McDavid and Draisaitl dominating the top lines, the secondary scoring roles get squeezed. Mangiapane has been in and out of the lineup, sometimes benched, and never really clicked with his linemates. Sometimes it’s not talent; it’s fit. The chemistry or system isn’t right, and even a good player can struggle in the wrong situation.
But that doesn't mean Mangiapane won't help other NHL teams.
Here’s why he could help another team immediately:
Energy and effort: Every shift counts. He finishes checks, creates turnovers, and drives the play.
Secondary scoring: He’s chipped in 10–20 goals in healthy seasons, providing a team with reliable secondary scoring.
Versatility in the lineup: Middle-six winger who can slot up or down, doesn’t need perfect linemates.
For Canadian teams like Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, or Winnipeg, Mangiapane makes sense as a low-risk, modest-return addition. With some salary retention, his cap hit becomes manageable. At the same time, the price in return should be small — a mid-round pick or depth piece. He won’t carry the team offensively, but he brings the kind of reliable, battle-tested presence that wins games quietly.
Mangiapane should be in his prime. With him, you get what you get.
At 29, he’s a reclamation-style pickup, but one with proven NHL chops. He might not reach 35 goals again, but he’s the kind of player who can contribute for a few seasons while keeping a middle-six competitive. Edmonton wanted that when they signed him — it just didn’t work out there. Now, someone else gets the chance to see if it can click on their roster.