Trade speculation surrounding Edmonton Oilers forward Andrew Mangiapane is intensifying as the NHL's trade deadline approaches, but a return involving a former Oiler in any potential deal appears increasingly unlikely. The 29-year-old winger, who signed a two-year, $3.6 million contract with the Oilers last July, has struggled to find his footing in Edmonton, leading to increased rumors of a potential trade.
Mangiapane's diminished role with the Oilers, including recent healthy scratches, has fueled speculation that the team is actively seeking a trade partner. While there's reported interest from teams like the Anaheim Ducks, the specifics of a potential return for the Oilers remain unclear.
NHL insider Frank Seravalli suggested that the Oilers shouldn't expect a significant return for Mangiapane, and that "you can cross off any return" of substantial value. The primary goal for the Oilers, according to Seravalli, should be to move on from Mangiapane's contract and find a better fit for the player. This sentiment suggests that bringing back a familiar face in exchange for Mangiapane is not a priority for Edmonton.
Elliotte Friedman also weighed in on the situation, noting that while Mangiapane's underlying numbers, specifically his PDO (shooting percentage plus save percentage), are "really bad," another team might view his struggles as a temporary setback. Friedman believes the Oilers will ultimately find a landing spot for Mangiapane, emphasizing that a change of scenery could benefit the player. He drew a parallel to Mason Marchment, who struggled in Seattle but found success after being traded to Columbus.
The Anaheim Ducks have emerged as a potential suitor for Mangiapane, with Friedman mentioning their interest and their need to bolster scoring depth. However, he also noted that the Ducks have begun to struggle and recently lost Frank Vatrano to injury. While the Ducks possess the cap space to absorb Mangiapane's contract, the possibility of a specific former Oiler, such as Ryan Strome, being part of the return seems unlikely.
Mangiapane's current season stats include five goals and six assists in 40 games, with a plus/minus rating of -17. These numbers are significantly below his career averages, contributing to the Oilers' willingness to explore a trade.
Ultimately, the Oilers' priority appears to be freeing up cap space and finding a better fit for their roster. While the possibility of acquiring a draft pick or a depth player in return for Mangiapane remains, the focus is not on bringing back a former Oiler. As the trade deadline approaches, the Oilers will likely continue to evaluate their options and seek a deal that benefits the team's long-term goals.
