Amidst a season of adjustments for the Edmonton Oilers, forward Andrew Mangiapane's future with the team has become a subject of increasing speculation. The winger, who joined the Oilers last summer with hopes of solidifying the middle-six forwards, has struggled to find consistent ice time and make a significant impact. As the Oilers navigate lineup adjustments, the Anaheim Ducks have emerged as a potential suitor for Mangiapane.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that the Anaheim Ducks are among the teams expressing interest in Mangiapane. Friedman noted that the winger has garnered league-wide interest, stating, "I heard Anaheim was one of the teams kind of poking around". The Ducks, aiming to enhance their scoring depth, could benefit from Mangiapane's skill set.
Mangiapane's current contract carries an average annual value of $3.6 million, making him an affordable option for teams seeking experience without significantly straining their salary cap. For the Oilers, trading Mangiapane could provide an opportunity to refine their line arrangements and give Mangiapane the chance to secure more ice time.
Through 40 games with Edmonton this season, Mangiapane has recorded five goals and 11 points, accompanied by a minus-17 rating. These numbers fall short of initial expectations, reflecting his limited ice time, which has sometimes dipped below 10 minutes per game, and instances where he has been a healthy scratch. Despite the underwhelming offensive output, Mangiapane's defensive contributions have remained steady.
The Anaheim Ducks, currently holding a playoff spot, have faced recent struggles, losing their last five games and eight of their last ten. Acquiring Mangiapane could provide a boost to their roster as they strive to maintain their position in the competitive Pacific Division.
While Mangiapane possesses a full no-trade clause, he is reportedly willing to waive it for a better opportunity. The Oilers are seemingly open to trading Mangiapane to a division rival if it alleviates their cap situation.
Several factors could influence a potential trade. Mangiapane's recent healthy scratches may affect his trade value, while his $3.6 million cap hit might necessitate the Oilers including a sweetener in any deal. Some insiders suggest that the Oilers are primarily seeking salary cap relief in any potential trade involving Mangiapane.
The Ducks' roster includes forwards such as Leo Carlsson, Alex Killorn and Ryan Strome. The potential addition of Mangiapane could provide further depth and versatility to their forward lines.
As the trade speculation surrounding Andrew Mangiapane intensifies, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether he will find a new home with the Anaheim Ducks or another NHL team.
