Edmonton Oilers forward Andrew Mangiapane is facing criticism from a segment of the fanbase, despite his consistent effort and reasonable production for his role. Mangiapane signed a two-year, $7.2 million contract with the Oilers on July 1, 2025, carrying an average annual value of $3.6 million. While some observers have been critical of his performance relative to his contract, his offensive output aligns with what the Oilers might have expected, especially considering his scoring at 5-on-5 without power-play minutes.

Through the first portion of the 2025-26 season, Mangiapane's statistics reflect a player contributing as expected for his role and salary. While his scoring touch had a drought earlier in the season, he has been showcasing his worth through consistent forechecking and capitalizing on loose pucks.

Some analysts have pointed out that Mangiapane has a history of underperforming his expected goal totals, raising questions about his finishing ability. However, it's important to consider that the Oilers signed Mangiapane not necessarily to replicate his 35-goal season with Calgary in 2021-22, but to provide energy and depth in the top nine.

Oilers' coach Kris Knoblauch has experimented with Mangiapane on different lines, including stints with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. While he may not have found consistent chemistry on the top lines, he has shown flashes of success. As the team returns to full health, Mangiapane may find himself on the third line, where he will need to continue to produce and justify his contract.

Despite the criticism, Mangiapane has maintained a positive attitude and a strong work ethic. He doesn't complain about ice time or sulk when the goals don't come. He focuses on what he can control, which is his effort and his commitment to the team's success. His two goals in as many games to begin his Oilers tenure, including a game-winner against the Canucks, demonstrates his potential impact.

Ultimately, whether Mangiapane can silence his critics will depend on his ability to continue producing and adapting to his role within the Oilers' lineup. While he may not be a superstar, he can be a valuable contributor to the team's success with his energy, work ethic, and timely goal-scoring. It is important to remember that judging a player only a few months into a multi-year contract can be premature, and patience may be warranted before a final verdict is reached.