NHL News Edmonton Oilers Strengthen Forward Depth After Veteran Departures By Signing Andrew Mangiapane To Bolster Offensive Firepower Immediately
The Edmonton Oilers entered the 2025 offseason with one of the league’s most scrutinized situations. Following another year in which their championship aspirations fell just short, the organization faced difficult decisions about roster construction. Several veteran forwards departed either through free agency or trades, leaving gaps in the forward group that had previously been relied upon for secondary scoring and two-way stability. For a franchise built around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, filling those gaps was not simply a matter of preference — it was a necessity if the Oilers wanted to remain among the NHL’s elite contenders. Against that backdrop, Edmonton moved decisively to sign Andrew Mangiapane, a versatile winger known for his speed, relentless work ethic, and ability to contribute both offensively and defensively.
The signing of Mangiapane represents not only a practical roster adjustment but also a strategic maneuver designed to address long-standing concerns about depth and consistency in the Oilers’ lineup. Too often in recent seasons, Edmonton has relied heavily on its two superstars to carry the offensive burden. While McDavid and Draisaitl are capable of putting up historic numbers, playoff success requires layers of scoring throughout the roster. Opponents in the postseason can often neutralize one or two top threats with targeted defensive schemes. Championship teams, therefore, require secondary options who can strike when defenses overload against the stars.
Mangiapane brings precisely that kind of option. His time with the Calgary Flames showcased his knack for opportunistic scoring, often finishing plays with quick releases, sharp positioning, and a willingness to battle in tough areas of the ice. In particular, his breakout 35-goal season with the Flames several years ago demonstrated that he could be more than just a role player. While his numbers fluctuated afterward due to changing team circumstances, injuries, and role adjustments, his underlying metrics consistently revealed a player who could drive possession, create high-danger chances, and kill penalties effectively.
For Edmonton, those attributes are gold. The Oilers have sometimes struggled to find wingers who can keep up with McDavid’s breakneck speed or Draisaitl’s vision. Mangiapane’s skating ability allows him to fit alongside either superstar when necessary, but his versatility also means he can anchor a second or third line to spread out the offense. That flexibility gives the coaching staff options and prevents opponents from simply loading all defensive resources against Edmonton’s top line.
Moreover, the Oilers’ penalty kill, an area of inconsistency in recent campaigns, stands to benefit from Mangiapane’s tenacity. He has long been praised for his ability to pressure opponents shorthanded, force turnovers, and turn defensive plays into offensive opportunities. In a division where special teams often decide close games, adding a forward who strengthens both sides of the puck was a shrewd move.
From a cultural standpoint, Mangiapane also checks important boxes. Edmonton has prioritized adding players who embody a relentless work ethic and team-first mentality. Mangiapane has never been known to take shifts off; his style is built on effort, pressure, and accountability. That sets an example for younger players on the roster and complements the leadership core already in place. In a locker room where expectations are sky-high every season, his approach is precisely the kind that reinforces a winning culture.
Financially, the Oilers’ decision to allocate cap space toward Mangiapane reflects the realities of modern roster building. With massive contracts already tied to McDavid, Draisaitl, and other key pieces, Edmonton cannot simply outbid the market for every high-profile free agent. Instead, they must identify players whose value exceeds their cost — individuals who can outperform their contracts by delivering consistent production. Mangiapane, entering this stage of his career with motivation to prove his worth after fluctuating usage in Calgary, represents a calculated bet with significant potential upside.
The departure of veteran forwards created both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, losing experienced players can leave a void in leadership and familiarity with the system. On the other hand, it creates roster space for new blood, new energy, and fresh dynamics. Mangiapane’s arrival represents the latter — an infusion of skill and hunger that can offset the experience lost elsewhere. It also sends a message to fans that management is not standing pat; they are actively retooling the roster to give the team its best chance to compete.
Looking ahead to how Mangiapane fits into the Oilers’ lineup, there are multiple possibilities. If deployed alongside McDavid, his speed and finishing ability could allow him to cash in on the scoring chances that the captain inevitably generates every game. If placed with Draisaitl, his forechecking and defensive reliability could free up the German star to focus even more on offensive creation. Alternatively, situating him on a third line would give Edmonton a rare luxury: a player with legitimate top-six ability anchoring depth scoring. That kind of balance is precisely what championship teams are built on.
It is also worth considering the psychological dimension of this signing. Mangiapane spent the bulk of his career in Calgary, where he became a familiar adversary in the Battle of Alberta. His move north adds intrigue to one of the league’s fiercest rivalries. Edmonton fans who once jeered him will now be cheering his name, while Flames supporters must adjust to seeing a former favorite donning the colors of their arch-rival. These storylines fuel rivalries, adding even more drama to games that already carry playoff-like intensity. For Mangiapane himself, the opportunity to join a contender like Edmonton may provide an extra spark to his performance.
Another layer of significance lies in how this move impacts Edmonton’s long-term outlook. The Oilers are in a critical window, with McDavid and Draisaitl both in their primes and pressure mounting to deliver a Stanley Cup. Every roster decision is viewed through the lens of how it affects championship potential. By adding Mangiapane, management is signaling a commitment to maximizing this window. Even if he is not the marquee signing that dominates headlines, he is the type of acquisition that can tilt playoff series by delivering timely goals, killing crucial penalties, or winning board battles late in tight games.
In terms of chemistry, preseason and training camp will be crucial in determining where Mangiapane slots in. Coaches will experiment with line combinations, and his ability to adapt quickly will be tested. Fortunately for Edmonton, his track record suggests he thrives in various roles. Whether he is asked to play top-line minutes, drive a secondary unit, or serve as a penalty-killing specialist, he has shown the capacity to adjust. That kind of versatility is rare and invaluable over the course of a grueling 82-game season.
Fans, of course, will have their own expectations. Edmonton supporters are notoriously passionate and demand results. While Mangiapane may not carry the same name recognition as some star forwards, his impact will be judged not on hype but on contribution. Goals, assists, and points will matter, but so too will effort, defensive plays, and clutch performances in high-stakes moments. If he can consistently deliver in those areas, he will quickly become a fan favorite.
From a league-wide perspective, Edmonton’s signing of Mangiapane underscores the importance of depth in the modern NHL. The days of relying solely on a top-heavy roster are over; the parity of the league requires contributions from all four lines. Teams that win championships often have unsung heroes — players who may not dominate highlight reels but whose timely contributions swing momentum. Edmonton clearly believes Mangiapane has the potential to be that kind of player.
As the 2025-26 season approaches, all eyes will be on how the Oilers integrate their new acquisition. The departure of veterans created uncertainty, but the addition of Mangiapane provides both stability and upside. He is a player who can score, defend, skate with speed, and adapt to any role required. In short, he is precisely the kind of signing that could make the difference between another season of “what ifs” and a campaign that finally delivers the Stanley Cup back to Edmonton.
Ultimately, the Oilers’ decision to bring in Andrew Mangiapane is about more than replacing departed forwards. It is about strategically addressing weaknesses, adding competitive fire, and reinforcing the message that this franchise is fully committed to winning now. Time will tell how successful the move proves to be, but the logic behind it is undeniable. For a team hungry for glory, every piece matters, and Mangiapane could be the piece that helps elevate Edmonton from contender to champion.
