The Andrew Mangiapane Experiment: Is it Time for the Edmonton Oilers to Move On?
When Andrew Mangiapane signed with the Edmonton Oilers in summer 2025, fans were dreaming of a 30-goal winger who could play with fire and complement the superstars. Fast forward to January 2026, and the reality has been much tougher. Mangiapane has spent more time lately as a healthy scratch than he has on the scoresheet, and with his $3.6 million cap hit, the Oilers are feeling the squeeze. It’s reached the point where a "change of scenery" isn't just a cliché—it’s a necessity.
Clearing the Deck
The issue for Edmonton isn't necessarily Mangiapane’s talent; it’s his fit in Kris Knoblauch’s system. He hasn't found his rhythm, and the Oilers desperately need that cap space to fix their blue line. Frank Seravalli broke it down perfectly during a recent conversation: "For the Oilers it’s not necessarily much about the return and what you get for him, it’s more so about clearing out that cap space. That’s also what’s gonna make getting someone to take that on difficult."
The Anaheim Interest
So, who takes him? The Anaheim Ducks are looking like the most realistic landing spot; a team that could use a veteran who’s been through some playoff battles. Elliotte Friedman recently mentioned on ‘Saturday Headlines’ that the team he believed was the most interested in Mangiapane currently is the Anaheim Ducks. It’s perceived to be a low-risk gamble for Anaheim and a massive relief for Edmonton’s front office.
Cool Fact: Andrew Mangiapane was voted as the MVP in the 2021 IIHF World Championship; his 7 goals and 4 assists in seven games helped Team Canada win its first World Championship title since 2016. Interestingly, prior to Mangiapane joining the team, Team Canada lost all three of its round-robin games, but went 6–0–1 after he joined the team.
Mangiapane Trade Talk: Final Verdict
When taking all variables into consideration, this feels like a deal that will happen sooner rather than later. Mangiapane needs a fresh start, and Edmonton needs the flexibility to make a real run at a third straight Stanley Cup Finals appearance. Let’s not be surprised if this one crosses the finish line before the Winter Olympic break.