As the NHL trade deadline approaches, a surprising proposal has emerged involving a potential swap between the Edmonton Oilers and their provincial rivals, the Calgary Flames. This intriguing scenario centers around Andrew Mangiapane, currently with the Oilers, and Yegor Sharangovich of the Flames.
Mangiapane's tenure with the Oilers has been underwhelming since joining as a UFA this past summer. After being a healthy scratch earlier in the year, trade speculation has surrounded the 29-year-old winger. In 49 games with the Oilers, he has recorded just 12 points (six goals, six assists).
The proposed trade, recently dissected by The Win Column, involves Mangiapane heading back to Calgary in exchange for Sharangovich, with the Flames retaining 35% of Sharangovich's salary, which would be $2 million. Sharangovich, 27, is in the first year of a five-year, $28.75 million extension he signed with the Flames in 2024. This season, he has 20 points (11 goals, nine assists) in 52 games.
While Sharangovich hasn't been prominently mentioned as a trade target for the Oilers, the salary retention, which lowers his AAV from $5.8 million to $3.8 million, could make him a more attractive option. The Oilers are actively searching for top-nine forwards while also looking to potentially move Mangiapane.
This wouldn't be the first time the two teams have made a deal with each other. While an intra-provincial trade might seem unusual, it's not unprecedented. The Oilers are currently evaluating their roster and considering potential moves to bolster their depth and maintain their competitiveness in the Western Conference. With the trade deadline looming, General Manager Stan Bowman will be actively working the phones to explore all possibilities.
Several factors contribute to the intrigue of this potential trade. For Mangiapane, a return to Calgary would offer a change of scenery and a chance to recapture the form that made him a valuable player for the Flames in the past. He played a key role in Calgary's playoff appearances between 2018-19 and 2021-22. Sharangovich, meanwhile, could provide the Oilers with a versatile forward who can contribute offensively.
The Oilers' struggles with consistency and finding the right fit for certain players, like Mangiapane, have fueled trade speculation as the team aims to solidify its roster for a deep playoff run. The coaching staff continues to experiment with line combinations, indicating a desire to optimize the team's overall performance.
Ultimately, whether this Battle of Alberta trade swap comes to fruition remains to be seen. However, the proposal highlights the ongoing efforts of both the Oilers and Flames to improve their teams as they navigate the challenges of the current season.