The Edmonton Oilers are not sitting idly by after losing their second straight Stanley Cup Final.
They have already locked in defenseman Evan Bouchard to a four-year, $42 million deal, and their latest signing, Andrew Mangiapane, will bolster the middle-six forwards group.
According to multiple sources, Mangiapane is heading to Edmonton on a two-year, $7.2 million contract.
Mangiapane was originally a sixth-round draft pick of the Calgary Flames back in the 2015 Draft, where he spent the first seven seasons of his career. He had a career year in 2021-22, netting 35 goals and 55 points over 82 games with an impressive 18.9 shooting percentage.
However, Mangiapane dealt with a shoulder injury that required surgery in April 2023, which could explain why he has struggled to score over the last few years. Over his final two campaigns in Calgary and last year with the Washington Capitals, Mangiapane scored just 45 goals and 111 points over 238 games.
His shooting percentage is also down to 11.3% during that stretch.
While Mangiapane, 29, may never return to his 35-goal outburst, he should have plenty of opportunities to skate alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in 2025-26.
This two-year, relatively cheap contract still feels like a good value for the Oilers, who desperately needed some extra juice up front. Mangiapane, who plays a competitive brand and skates well, should fit in seamlessly anywhere in the top nine.
He can forecheck, defend responsibly, and while he is not going to drive the play like top-tier wingers, he is more than capable of finishing his chances and will bring energy to Edmonton.
Mangiapane should benefit from an improved surrounding lineup and set himself up for another, longer-term contract during the 2027 offseason.
