Recent reports suggest that Andrew Mangiapane and the Edmonton Oilers might be heading towards a trade. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Oilers are considering moving the 29-year-old winger, and Mangiapane may be open to a change of scenery if the right opportunity presents itself.
Mangiapane joined the Oilers this season on a two-year, $7.2 million contract, seeking to bolster their forward depth. Initially, he occupied a significant role within the team's top-six forwards. However, as the season progressed, his ice time has steadily declined. His average ice time decreased from 15:43 in October to just 11:34 in December, eventually leading to him being a healthy scratch. In 39 games with the Oilers, Mangiapane has recorded 11 points (5 goals, 6 assists) and holds a team-worst minus-16 rating.
Several factors contribute to this potential trade. The resurgence of veterans like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, Mattias Janmark, and Jack Roslovic from injury has created a logjam in the Oilers' roster. Additionally, the impressive performance of prospects Isaac Howard and Quinn Hutson in the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors is putting pressure on the Oilers to give them more NHL playing time. Howard has 20 points in 15 AHL games, while Hutson has 30 points in 25 games. These young forwards have already had limited NHL experience this season but have found it difficult to secure consistent roster spots due to players like Mangiapane.
Friedman noted on the "32 Thoughts" podcast that Mangiapane has a full no-move clause, but there is an understanding that he would be willing to waive it if the Oilers can find a team where he would have a more prominent role. "I think there is an understanding there that if the Oilers could find something for Mangiapane with another team, where he might have a bigger role, he would be willing to waive," Friedman said.
The Oilers have until the trade deadline on March 6, 2026, to trade Mangiapane, but they may try to do so before the NHL breaks for the 2026 Winter Olympics in February. General Manager Stan Bowman may be actively seeking a trade partner, potentially for a depth defenseman. While coach Knoblauch is still trying to find how Mangiapane can contribute, the emergence of other options within the organization, such as Kasperi Kapanen and Isaac Howard, could make Mangiapane expendable.
It remains to be seen where Mangiapane might land, but the possibility of a trade appears increasingly likely as the Oilers look to optimize their roster for a deep playoff run.
