Edmonton Oilers Add Depth and Versatility by Signing Andrew Mangiapane to Two-Year Deal Worth $3.6 Million Annually
The Edmonton Oilers made a significant move in their ongoing push to remain a Stanley Cup contender by signing veteran forward Andrew Mangiapane to a two-year contract worth an average annual value (AAV) of $3.6 million. The addition brings in a proven NHL scorer with strong two-way ability and playoff experience—two attributes the Oilers desperately need as they look to bolster their roster around the elite talents of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Mangiapane, 28, spent his entire career up to this point with the Calgary Flames, the Oilers’ provincial rivals, making the move not just impactful from a hockey standpoint but emotionally charged for both fanbases. Drafted 166th overall by Calgary in 2015, Mangiapane steadily worked his way up through the ranks, developing from a depth piece into a reliable middle-six forward with flashes of top-line upside. His breakout season came in 2021–22, when he notched 35 goals and 20 assists for 55 points in 82 games. While he hasn’t reached those offensive heights again, his reputation as a hard-working, defensively responsible winger with scoring touch remains strong.
For the Oilers, this move represents strategic roster planning, especially given the financial constraints that come with having two of the highest-paid players in the league. Edmonton’s management, led by general manager Jeff Jackson and president of hockey operations Ken Holland, has been deliberate in its off-season maneuvering. With the cap space available after recent trades and the departures of some veteran contracts, the Oilers saw an opportunity to grab a capable forward at a relatively team-friendly price.
Mangiapane brings more than just scoring. His responsible play in all three zones makes him a valuable asset on both special teams. He has consistently played minutes on the penalty kill and can contribute on the power play if needed. That versatility will give Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch more flexibility in how he constructs his forward lines. Whether Mangiapane slots in on the second or third line, he is expected to bring intensity, forechecking pressure, and timely goals—hallmarks of his game that align with the type of grit and tenacity required for playoff success.
The two-year term is also ideal for both the player and the team. For Mangiapane, it’s a chance to play meaningful games deep into the postseason alongside generational talents, potentially boosting his value before hitting unrestricted free agency again in 2027. For the Oilers, it’s a manageable commitment that doesn’t tie up long-term cap space but still provides stability for at least the next two seasons.
One of the biggest questions for Edmonton this offseason has been how they would augment their middle six. In recent years, the team has often relied too heavily on its top-end stars, with depth scoring proving elusive in key moments—especially in the postseason. Mangiapane’s signing directly addresses this issue. His ability to produce 15–20 goals per season, coupled with defensive acumen, gives Edmonton the kind of secondary scoring they’ve long lacked.
From a stylistic standpoint, Mangiapane is also a strong fit. He plays a fast-paced, north-south game that meshes well with the Oilers’ identity. His tenacity on the forecheck and quick decision-making with the puck will benefit linemates who thrive in open ice. He’s also not afraid to drive to the net, making him effective in creating chaos in front of opposing goaltenders.
Another noteworthy aspect of this signing is the symbolic shift it represents in the Battle of Alberta. While players have crossed over between the Flames and Oilers in the past, it’s always a headline-grabbing event when a fan-favorite from one side joins the other. Mangiapane was a consistent contributor and a sparkplug for Calgary, making him a familiar—and now rival—face for Flames fans. For Oilers supporters, it’s an exciting coup, taking a piece from their rival and integrating him into a team with legitimate championship aspirations.
Internally, Mangiapane’s arrival is expected to spark healthy competition among the Oilers’ forward group. Young players like Dylan Holloway and Raphael Lavoie will have to elevate their game in training camp to earn their spots, while veterans such as Ryan McLeod and Warren Foegele may find themselves in more clearly defined roles. The addition also provides some insurance against injuries, something the Oilers struggled with at times during the 2024–25 season.
On the financial side, the $3.6 million AAV is a reasonable price for a player of Mangiapane’s caliber. While he isn’t likely to replicate his 35-goal campaign from a few years ago, his overall contributions in scoring, defensive metrics, and puck possession make him a valuable asset. His underlying analytics have generally been strong throughout his career, with good Corsi and expected goals numbers, especially when playing against middle-tier competition. Edmonton will likely use him in matchups that maximize these strengths.
Another underappreciated element Mangiapane brings is his playoff experience. While the Flames have had inconsistent postseason success, Mangiapane has played in multiple playoff series and understands the stakes of postseason hockey. He’s scored big goals and shown that he can be counted on when the games matter most—qualities the Oilers will need if they’re to make another deep run toward the Cup Final.
This signing also reflects a growing maturity in the Oilers’ front office philosophy. In years past, Edmonton made flashy moves or overcommitted to certain players, sometimes with mixed results. By securing a player like Mangiapane on a short-term deal with strong upside, they are showing a better understanding of roster balance and cap management. It’s a move that may not dominate headlines but could prove crucial when the grind of the season begins and injuries or slumps take their toll.
As for Mangiapane, this represents a fresh start in a new environment. After spending nearly a decade with the Flames organization, he now steps into a new locker room with a clear opportunity to compete for a championship. He’ll likely be welcomed quickly, especially given his track record and the Oilers’ clear need for exactly the type of game he plays.
The reaction from the Oilers’ fanbase has been largely positive. Many fans see this as a smart, low-risk addition that adds necessary depth and experience without hampering the team’s long-term flexibility. It also signals that the front office is serious about making incremental improvements rather than just swinging for the fences with big-ticket acquisitions.
For Mangiapane, this new chapter in Edmonton could be a perfect match. He joins a team hungry for its first Stanley Cup since 1990, one that has learned valuable lessons from recent playoff failures. Surrounded by elite talent, supportive coaching, and a re-energized fanbase, Mangiapane is poised to play an important role in what the Oilers hope is a golden era of contention.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on how he integrates into the Oilers’ system and where he lands in the lineup. Will he find instant chemistry with Draisaitl on the second line? Could he be part of a shutdown third line with offensive upside? These are questions Kris Knoblauch will begin to answer in preseason.
But one thing is certain: with Andrew Mangiapane now wearing the blue and orange, the Edmonton Oilers have added more than just a former rival—they’ve added a piece that could be pivotal in the team’s quest to hoist the Stanley Cup.
