**“READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT: Andrew Mangiapane Confident He Can Thrive in Top-Six Role with High-Octane Edmonton Oilers”**

Andrew Mangiapane has always played with a chip on his shoulder, and now he might just be walking into the biggest opportunity of his NHL career. After years of grinding in Calgary and consistently proving he can contribute in both ends of the rink, Mangiapane arrives in Edmonton with a fresh mindset, a refined offensive game, and a clear belief that he can be more than just a middle-six winger. His eyes are set on a top-six role, and if his early interactions with the Oilers coaching staff and players are any indication, he may be about to get his chance.

The move to Edmonton was met with some raised eyebrows, mostly because the Oilers already boast a heavy offensive core that features Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Zach Hyman. Breaking into a group that dangerous isn’t easy, but Mangiapane isn’t backing down. In fact, he’s embracing the challenge. He knows that playing alongside generational talents like McDavid or Draisaitl isn’t just a career boost—it’s a golden opportunity to elevate his own game and prove that he can contribute on a contending team at the highest level.

Mangiapane has always been a unique talent. Undersized by NHL standards at 5-foot-10 and a shade under 190 pounds, his tenacity and speed have more than made up for any perceived shortcomings. What makes him particularly dangerous is his ability to find soft areas in the offensive zone and his knack for finishing in tight. These are traits the Oilers desperately need from their secondary scorers, especially with the need to lighten the offensive load on McDavid and Draisaitl. With the departure of key supporting forwards and uncertainty about how the bottom-six shakes out, a player like Mangiapane could be the X-factor in the Oilers’ push to return to the Stanley Cup Final.

His 35-goal campaign with Calgary in 2021-22 remains his career highlight, but many close to Mangiapane believe that version of him can still be unlocked—perhaps even exceeded—if he’s deployed alongside elite playmakers. Last season, the numbers weren’t quite as flashy. He posted a modest point total, but that production came in a Flames system that struggled to find its offensive identity. He wasn’t getting prime power play minutes, and his linemates rotated far too often to develop the chemistry necessary for a consistent scoring rhythm. Even still, Mangiapane showed flashes of his potential—timely goals, strong possession metrics, and an ability to drive play at five-on-five.

Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch has hinted that Mangiapane will be given every opportunity to carve out a top-six role during training camp. Whether that means playing on McDavid’s wing or slotting in with Draisaitl remains to be seen, but there’s a growing sense that Edmonton sees something in him that Calgary never fully tapped into. And Mangiapane isn’t shying away from the pressure. If anything, he’s welcoming it.

In his own words, Mangiapane has stated that he “feels confident in being a top-six forward,” and that this new chapter in Edmonton is one he’s been waiting for. There’s something to be said for a change of scenery, especially when that change includes a lineup brimming with offensive weapons. Mangiapane’s game thrives on pace, puck retrieval, and finishing around the net—elements that perfectly complement the strengths of players like McDavid, who can drive defenders back and create space, or Draisaitl, whose ability to distribute the puck is second to none. Insert Mangiapane into that mix, and suddenly you have a potential 25-to-30-goal scorer who can do damage even in the shadows of Edmonton’s brightest stars.

The Oilers are banking on more than just Mangiapane’s offensive upside. His defensive awareness and penalty-killing acumen also bring value to a team that has been criticized for lacking balance. One of the key talking points surrounding Edmonton’s offseason has been the need for more two-way responsibility across all lines. With Mangiapane, they might have struck the right balance between offense and reliability. He doesn’t cheat in his own end, he battles along the boards, and he’s not afraid to engage physically despite his size.

Training camp will be pivotal, and Mangiapane knows it. The Oilers’ lineup is not set in stone, and competition will be fierce. Young forwards like Dylan Holloway are hungry for more ice time, while veterans such as Evander Kane and Warren Foegele bring their own case for elevated roles. Still, the coaching staff is eager to see what Mangiapane looks like alongside elite playmakers. Whether it’s on the wing of McDavid for a high-octane rush line, or supporting Draisaitl in a heavier, possession-driven unit, Mangiapane has tools that fit either scenario. It may come down to chemistry—something that the Oilers have tried to capture consistently but have often lacked outside of their big three.

Beyond his on-ice performance, Mangiapane also brings a welcome attitude to the locker room. He’s known for being low-maintenance, focused, and driven. His work ethic sets a tone that younger players can follow, and he’s walked the long road from being a sixth-round pick to establishing himself as a legitimate NHL player. Those kinds of stories resonate in locker rooms, especially on teams that know what it’s like to fall just short. Edmonton has had a front-row seat to heartbreak over the past few seasons, coming agonizingly close to playoff glory without sealing the deal. Adding pieces like Mangiapane—players who don’t take anything for granted—can help shift the team culture in subtle but meaningful ways.

For the fans, Mangiapane’s arrival signals another step toward a deeper, more balanced roster. The Oilers already have the top-end skill to overwhelm teams on any given night, but their downfall has often been the lack of consistency from lines three and four—and the tendency to overextend their stars. If Mangiapane can become a legitimate top-six fixture, it allows Knoblauch to spread minutes more effectively and keep legs fresh deep into the season. That could be the difference between another playoff run that ends too early, and a sustained march all the way to June.

Of course, potential doesn’t always translate to production. Mangiapane will need to produce out of the gate and earn his spot every night. But this is a player who thrives when counted out, who plays better when people question his ceiling. In Edmonton, surrounded by elite talent and given a clear runway, he might finally get the platform his game has long deserved.

The Oilers have made a number of calculated moves this offseason, each aimed at shoring up specific weaknesses without disrupting the core. The acquisition of Mangiapane, though not as flashy as blockbuster trades or marquee free agent signings, could prove to be one of the most impactful if he delivers on the promise he’s showing. A confident, motivated Mangiapane could be exactly what the Oilers need to take the next step—not just as a playoff contender, but as a true Stanley Cup favorite.

As puck drop for the 2025–26 season draws nearer, the battle for top-six minutes will take center stage in Edmonton’s training camp. Eyes will be on Mangiapane to see if he can translate his belief into results. The opportunity is there. The confidence is there. And perhaps for the first time in his career, everything around him is lining up just right. All that remains is the performance—and Andrew Mangiapane seems more than ready to deliver.