Andrew Mangiapane is not joining the Edmonton Oilers to be a star — he’s coming to be a difference-maker in the middle of the lineup. After a frustrating year in Washington, the 28-year-old winger now has a chance to reset with the Oilers. His two-year contract at a $3.6 million annual average value (AAV) isn’t the story. The real question is: what kind of impact can he make on a team with Stanley Cup aspirations?
Can Mangiapane stabilize the Oilers’ third line, mentor younger players, and bring steady two-way hockey every night? That’s exactly what Edmonton needs, especially after losing key depth pieces like Viktor Arvidsson, Evander Kane, and Jeff Skinner this offseason.
Mangiapane's rough stint with the Capitals
Mangiapane’s season with the Washington Capitals was his least productive in years. In 81 games, he managed only 14 goals and 14 assists for 28 points (NHL.com). His ice time dropped, his power-play minutes were limited, and he recorded just four power-play points. Most of his shifts came on the third line, and he was rarely put in situations to succeed offensively.
It was a sharp contrast to his career year in 2021-22, when he scored 35 goals and 55 points. That season, his shooting percentage soared to 18.9 percent, and he contributed eight power-play goals. Since entering the league, he’s averaged close to a 20-goal, 40-point pace per 82 games — steady second- or third-line production.
Even during down years, Mangiapane has remained reliable in his own zone. In eight NHL seasons, he’s never finished a full year with a negative plus/minus rating (excluding his 10-game rookie stint). That speaks to his value as a responsible 200-foot forward who doesn’t hurt his team.
Last season was a setback, no doubt, but his career history suggests it’s more of an outlier than a trend.
What Mangiapane brings to the Oilers
1. Two-way reliability
Mangiapane is the type of forward coaches trust. He won’t cheat for offense, he tracks back hard, and he’s capable on the penalty kill. For a team that leaned heavily on its stars last year, Edmonton needs this kind of balance in the bottom six.
2. Stability and consistency
Through 498 NHL games, Mangiapane has 123 goals, 120 assists, and a plus-52 rating. That’s a long sample of steady production and responsible play. Slot him into a defined role and he’ll deliver exactly what’s expected.
3. Secondary scoring upside
When given opportunity, he’s proven he can finish. Edmonton may not need him to score 35 goals again, but a return to the 18-22 goal range is realistic if he finds chemistry on the third line or gets secondary power-play minutes.
How Mangiapane fits the Oilers
The Oilers’ depth chart is fluid, but here’s where Mangiapane could make his mark:
- Third line with Adam Henrique: Pairing Henrique’s playmaking with Mangiapane’s skating and two-way game creates a balanced third line. Add a young winger like Matthew Savoie or Isaac Howard, and it becomes a great development unit. Henrique provides veteran presence, Mangiapane adds defensive structure, and the rookie can bring skill.
- Shutdown option when Zach Hyman returns: Once Hyman is back, coach Kris Knoblauch has flexibility. He can use Mangiapane with Henrique and someone like Trent Frederic to build a third line that plays heavy minutes, kills penalties, and chips in offense.
- Power play depth: Mangiapane won’t crack the first unit, but Edmonton has often struggled to find consistency on its second group. His quick release and ability to get to the dirty areas could give that unit some life.
This versatility makes him valuable. Knoblauch won’t have to shoehorn him into one role — he can adapt the lineup depending on matchups.
Potential risks and what he must overcome
- Usage and opportunity: If Mangiapane is locked into low minutes and zero power-play time, his numbers may not rebound. His success depends on how Knoblauch deploys him.
- Health and consistency: Injuries have limited him in the past. The Oilers need him available for 70-plus games if he’s going to make a real impact.
- Confidence: Coming off a down year, confidence matters. If he gets off to a good start in Edmonton, he could quickly rediscover his 20-goal form.
Final thoughts and outlook
Mangiapane isn’t the headline-grabber in Edmonton — but that’s not what the Oilers need. What they need is a reliable, two-way winger who can score enough to make the third line matter.
If he delivers a 20-goal, 40-point season while mentoring a young linemate and helping stabilize the bottom six, the Oilers’ forward depth will be in much better shape. That’s exactly the type of under-the-radar addition that separates contenders from pretenders in the spring.
Andrew Mangiapane won’t carry the Oilers, but he can make them harder to beat. And that’s what matters.