The Andrew Mangiapane trade talks appear to be heating up for the Edmonton Oilers with multiple NHL insiders reporting different trade suitors for the struggling forward.
There are many teams that could be looking to buy-low on the winger who has had success as a middle-six winger in the past. At only 29 years old, there is likely plenty of gas left in the tank, it is more of a team finding the right fit for the player.
The Oilers hoped he could provide some legitimate secondary scoring, either as a passenger with their stars, Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl or further down the lineup. That has not been the case as Mangiapane has struggled to consistently produce, scoring only five goals and six assists through 40 games with the Oilers.
Could the Oilers be making a reunion with a former player?
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that the Anaheim Ducks are one team who has legitimate interest in Mangiapane dating back to Saturday night during his Hockey Night in Canada segment, Saturday Headlines.
Friedman expanded on his reporting on his 32 Thoughts podcast episode on Monday, stating that there may be a fit with the Oilers and Ducks to swap struggling players Mangiapane and Ryan Strome. This would represent a reunion between Strome and the Oilers who played 100 games as an Oiler during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 NHL seasons.
There are hurdles to figure out as Friedman points out, saying "The problem there is that Strome makes about a million and a half more than Mangiapane, and Edmonton doesn’t have the room to take all that. So it would be interesting to see how Anaheim would feel about that situation."
If the Ducks -- or a third party team -- is willing to retain salary on Strome, this deal could make some sense for both parties. Mangiapane would give the Ducks some cheaper scoring depth to play alongside their young stars.
For the Oilers, Strome has some familiarity with a number of players in the locker room which would help his adjustment. As well, he has the ability to play both centre and wing, helping give the Oilers versatility up front and solidify their depth up the middle, especially if they end up battling more injuries, which has plagued the team this season.
Although he has struggled this year, notching only six points in 22 games with the Ducks, Strome has shown consistency over the past few seasons. In each of the previous three consecutive years with the Ducks, Strome has recorded 41 points. If he can pick back up at this rate, he could be a great addition to their secondary offence.