The Edmonton Oilers have made a significant addition to their forward ranks, signing unrestricted free agent Andrew Mangiapane to a two-year, $7.2 million contract. The deal, announced by the team on Tuesday, carries an average annual value of $3.6 million.
Mangiapane, 29, is coming off a season with the Washington Capitals where he recorded 14 goals and 28 points in 81 games. He also contributed a goal and two points in 10 playoff games as the Capitals were eliminated by the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round. This past season was considered a down year for Mangiapane, as he hadn't registered a single campaign with less than 40 points in the three previous seasons.
Prior to his time in Washington, Mangiapane spent the first seven years of his NHL career with the Calgary Flames, who drafted him 166th overall in 2015. Over his NHL career, split between the Flames and Capitals, the Toronto native has accumulated 123 goals and 243 points in 498 games.
Mangiapane is known for his pesky style of play as a winger. According to HockeyViz, even with his down year offensively, Mangiapane still drove offense and defense at six percent rates above the league average and drove play on the penalty kill at a two percent rate above the league average.
Oilers general manager Holland sees Mangiapane as a valuable addition to the team's offensive depth, especially with the potential departures of players like Evander Kane, Connor Brown, Corey Perry, and Jeff Skinner. The Oilers are hoping Mangiapane can return to his peak form, reminiscent of the 2021-22 season with the Flames where he achieved career highs with 35 goals and 55 points.
Internationally, Mangiapane has represented Canada twice at the World Championship. In 2021, he was named the tournament's most valuable player after scoring seven goals and 11 points, leading Canada to a gold medal.
According to PuckPedia, Mangiapane's contract includes a no-trade clause in the first year and a five-team approved trade list in the second year.
Mangiapane's previous contract was a three-year, $17.4 million deal with an annual cap hit of $5.8 million. He signed that deal with the Calgary Flames on August 2, 2022. Throughout his career, Mangiapane has earned over $23 million.
The Oilers are banking on Mangiapane's veteran experience and play-driving abilities to bolster their offense and provide valuable contributions in their pursuit of a Stanley Cup.
