Edmonton Oilers forward Andrew Mangiapane has become a clear focus in Edmonton after being a healthy scratch for several games. His absence from the lineup earlier led to trade rumors around the league. With a $3.6 million cap hit and one more year left on his deal after this season, questions about his role have grown louder. His production has dropped, and patience around the situation is at an all-time low.
Mangiapane returned to the lineup after missing four games against the Chicago Blackhawks but failed to register a point while playing over 11 minutes. Before the game, head coach Kris Knoblauch had addressed Mangiapane’s situation directly. He said the issue is not effort or attitude, but confidence and puck decisions.
"Just feeling more comfortable with his game," Knoblauch said about Mangiapane. "I think there have been some mistakes, but mostly it’s just puck play, not feeling confident making plays. He’s a player that obviously should be able to make plays. He’s an NHL veteran who’s put up a lot of offense."
Knoblauch also praised his work in practice and said returning him to the lineup could help.
"I think he’s in a good spot right now," Knoblauch said. "He’s had a great attitude. He’s practiced really hard. Couldn’t ask anything more from him. So inserting him back in the lineup, I think, will help us."
Mangiapane also failed to perform against the Nashville Predators, drawing one minor two minute penalty and going -1. His point drought continued for six games now.
The #Oilers collect a point in overtime as they fall 4-3 to the Predators.@SentinelStorage | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/uTaRVIdqdq
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) January 14, 2026
Trade rumours are swirling around Mangiapane
Edmonton’s front office has stayed quiet, but outside voices have kept the discussion about Mangiapane's trade active. Earlier, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman suggested Winnipeg as a possible fit when Bob Stauffer pushed for the forward to go to the Jets.
"Yep, I have to say it makes sense," Friedman said. "Although Winnipeg is looking for a bit of speed, they need scoring badly; they like trading for guys with term."
On the ice, the Oilers continue to post strong results overall. Edmonton sits near the top of the Pacific with a 23-16-8 record. Offense drives their success, led by Connor McDavid (82 points) and a league-best power play clicking at 33.8 percent.
However, the Oilers' depth has not been producing often, paired with struggles in defensive play. Those issues surfaced again as Edmonton fell 4-3 in overtime to the Predators, ending the night with another narrow loss.
So, lack of depth scoring from a player like Mangiapane could certainly lead to a trade before the trade deadline in March.