Stan Bowman Breaks Silence on Oilers’ Free Agency Splash: Andrew Mangiapane Brings Edge, Competitiveness, and Relentless Energy to Edmonton

Edmonton Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman didn’t hold back when describing his newest acquisition, and the message to the rest of the league was crystal clear — the Oilers are building a team that’s not just skilled but downright miserable to play against.

“He’s an active player. He’s also a competitive player. He’s not the most fun to play against,” Bowman told reporters Monday during his first major media availability since the NHL free agency window opened. The topic? Former Calgary Flames forward Andrew Mangiapane — now the newest member of the Oilers.

In a move that sent shockwaves across Western Canada, Mangiapane inked a four-year, $19 million deal with Edmonton just hours after free agency kicked off. It marks a significant shift for both the player and the franchise. For Edmonton, the addition of Mangiapane signals a commitment to gritty, two-way hockey as they look to stay competitive in an increasingly loaded Western Conference.

For Mangiapane, the jump across the provincial divide might have been unthinkable a few years ago. Drafted by the Flames in 2015, he spent the entirety of his NHL career in Calgary, becoming a fan favorite for his hustle, relentless forechecking, and timely scoring. But as Bowman emphasized, business is business — and Edmonton is ready to make winning the only priority.

“This is about making the Oilers harder to play against,” Bowman explained. “Mangiapane fits exactly what we want — speed, tenacity, the ability to drive possession and frustrate opponents. You hear it all the time from guys around the league: He’s not fun to line up against.”

The numbers back that up. Despite Calgary’s struggles last season, Mangiapane posted a respectable 17 goals and 24 assists, while once again cementing his reputation as one of the NHL’s most effective forecheckers. His ability to disrupt breakouts, generate turnovers, and provide secondary scoring fills a glaring need for an Edmonton squad that has often leaned too heavily on its superstar duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

Bowman, who took over as Oilers GM earlier this offseason, has wasted little time putting his fingerprint on the team. Mangiapane’s signing follows a flurry of smaller depth moves aimed at bolstering the Oilers’ bottom six and blue line. But the acquisition of the 28-year-old winger is by far the biggest statement of Edmonton’s summer so far.

“It’s not just about scoring goals,” Bowman emphasized. “It’s about how hard you make the game for the other team every single night. That’s what Andrew does. He never stops moving his feet, he’s aggressive on pucks, and he forces turnovers in dangerous areas. That’s the type of player who helps you win in May and June.”

The Oilers, of course, know all too well the frustration of falling short in those critical months. After advancing to the Western Conference Final in 2022, expectations soared. But playoff exits in 2023 and 2024 reignited questions about Edmonton’s depth, defensive structure, and ability to handle adversity when the stakes rise.

With Mangiapane, Bowman believes Edmonton gets a player who thrives in those tough environments.

“You need guys who embrace the grind,” Bowman said. “He’s been through battles, he’s played playoff hockey, and he knows what it takes. He’s not afraid to mix it up, and that competitive fire is infectious in the room.”

The signing wasn’t without controversy. Crossing from Calgary to Edmonton — two fierce provincial rivals — often comes with baggage. But for Mangiapane, the decision was rooted in opportunity and ambition.

In his own introductory media availability, Mangiapane expressed excitement about the move, noting, “The Oilers are right there — they’ve been close the past few years, and I want to be part of helping push them over the top. I’m grateful for my time in Calgary, but this is a fresh start, and I’m ready for it.”

Bowman revealed that Edmonton had been eyeing Mangiapane for some time, even prior to his arrival in the front office.

“We’ve done our homework,” Bowman explained. “Andrew’s one of those players whose value goes beyond the box score. When you watch the games, his impact is undeniable. You feel him on the ice.”

Opposing fans — and even some Oilers faithful — have noted Mangiapane’s reputation as an agitator, a player who gets under opponents’ skin. But Bowman sees that as a weapon, not a flaw.

“Hockey’s a game of emotion,” Bowman said. “You want guys who stir things up, who make it uncomfortable for the other side. If the other team’s frustrated, that’s a good thing for us.”

The Oilers’ off-season strategy appears laser-focused on balance. While they already boast arguably the most dynamic offensive talents in the league with McDavid and Draisaitl, Bowman stressed the importance of surrounding them with players who can complement that skill with grit, speed, and defensive responsibility.

“Connor and Leon can do extraordinary things,” Bowman acknowledged. “Our job is to make sure the rest of the group supports them the right way. Andrew’s going to help us in that area — winning puck battles, keeping plays alive, being relentless on the forecheck. Those little things make a huge difference.”

Mangiapane is expected to slot into Edmonton’s top nine, with potential to move up the lineup based on chemistry and performance. While his offensive ceiling may not rival the league’s elite, his versatility, work ethic, and ability to play in all situations have been hallmarks of his game since breaking into the NHL.

“He plays with an edge, he competes every shift, and he’s going to fit in well with the group we’re building,” Bowman said. “We want teams to look at their schedule, see Edmonton, and know they’re in for a battle. Andrew’s the kind of guy who brings that mindset.”

Beyond Mangiapane, Bowman hinted that Edmonton’s free agency activity may not be over. While the Oilers remain tight against the salary cap, the front office is exploring creative ways to further strengthen the roster.

“It’s a process,” Bowman said. “We’ve made some important moves, but we’re not done looking at options. Our goal is clear — we want to win, and we’re going to keep building toward that.”

The Oilers’ fanbase, eager for a return to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2006, has responded to the Mangiapane signing with cautious optimism. Social media buzzed with reactions ranging from excitement over the added toughness to surprise at seeing a former Flame don Edmonton’s blue and orange.

For Bowman, those storylines are just noise. His focus remains on assembling a team capable of going the distance — and making life miserable for opponents along the way.

“We’re building an identity,” Bowman concluded. “It’s about being hard to play against, every night, every shift. Andrew embodies that. He competes, he agitates, he never takes a shift off. That’s the player we’re bringing in, and I can’t wait to see him in our lineup.”

The Battle of Alberta may have a new chapter, but for the Oilers, the mission is unchanged — build a contender, add the right pieces, and chase hockey’s ultimate prize. With Andrew Mangiapane now in the fold, Edmonton just became a lot tougher — and a lot more annoying — to face.