Front and centre amongst trade speculation sits struggling Edmonton Oilers winger, Andrew Mangiapane. Signed to a two-year contract in free agency, the 29 year old forward's tenure has not gone as expected so far with the Oilers.
According to many NHL insiders, there are a number of potential destinations for the forward, even despite his struggles this year, scoring 11 points (five goals, six assists) through 40 games so far. He also carries a $3.6 million cap hit on his contract that runs until July 1st, 2027.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Growing up as a local Toronto kid, the fit makes a lot of sense on many different fronts, including that the Toronto Maple Leafs were reportedly interested in the winger heading into free agency last summer. On top of that, Leafs general manager Brad Treliving has a history with Mangiapane from their days with the Calgary Flames. Now that they can acquire him for a likely reduced rate, it could be a move that interests the struggling Maple Leafs.
Mangiapane has shown the ability to play alongside elite forwards in his time with the Flames and could find a spot next to one of the Leafs star forwards with Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies or John Tavares and William Nylander.
The Leafs have a player in a similar position in Matias Maccelli who has found himself in trade speculation this season due to his struggles on the ice. The 25 year old also carries a similar caphit at $3.425 million and is a restricted free agent this summer, giving the Oilers some desirable team control entering his contract negotiations.
However, there was some pushback to these rumours by NHL insider Elliotte Friedman on the latest episode of 32 Thoughts saying "You know, I did have some people who said to me that they kind of wondered if Toronto might do it. Like maybe a Maccelli kind of move. But I don’t think Toronto is going to do that. Obviously, I think some people say that because Treliving obviously had Mangiapane in Calgary. I don’t think that’s the case."
Anaheim Ducks
Another team that has been gaining traction as a potential fit for Mangiapane is the Anaheim Ducks, as reported by NHL insider Elliotte Friedman. Speaking on his latest episode of 32 Thoughts on Monday, Friedman said "I did have some people that thought a Strome for Mangiapane deal makes sense,”.
He added on “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."
Ryan Strome and the Oilers could be making a reunion if the report by Friedman is correct. Although like he mentioned, the salary cap is a potential problem, unless the Ducks are willing to retain salary to match Mangiapane. Strome has another full season on his contract like Mangiapane which would make them even from their perspective.
Could Oilers stand pat?
In the Ducks trade scenario it is very possible that the Oilers are not keen on retaining a player with the exact same contract as the player they are trying to get rid of and one who is older at that. Especially with depth pieces on the Bakersfield Condors like Quinn Hutson and Connor Clattenburg showing some potential as full-time NHL players.
It is most likely that the Oilers would first try to rid themselves of the Mangiapane contract in full and replace him internally than they would potentially strap themselves with another issue if they do not have to.
There is also the option that the team stands pat and attempts to mend the issues with Mangiapane and get him going. Although, that ship seems to have sailed with recent reports suggesting that his team is willing to work with the Oilers on finding a trade. As well, with the team continually scratching him, it is likely putting more strain on the relationship, making it potentially untenable.