Andrew Mangiapane's situation with the Edmonton Oilers has taken a complicated turn recently, marked by questions surrounding his ice time and perceived inconsistent treatment by head coach Kris Knoblauch. Despite flashes of strong play, Mangiapane has found himself in and out of the lineup, leading to speculation about his future with the team and whether the coaching staff values his contributions.

In a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Mangiapane, who is reportedly on the trade block, showcased what many observers considered his best performance as an Oiler. He displayed noticeable energy, generating scoring chances, delivering hits, and agitating the opposition. This performance seemingly embodied the kind of intensity and engagement the Oilers have been seeking from him. However, midway through the game, his ice time was significantly reduced, with him being "stapled to the bench".

Sportsnet's Mark Spector highlighted that Mangiapane made an offensive-zone giveaway that contributed to Toronto's opening goal, which appeared to be the reason for his benching. Spector suggested that benching Mangiapane, especially on a night when he was playing his best hockey in a while, implied a lack of appreciation from the coach.

Coach Knoblauch addressed the decision after the game, confirming that the turnover played a role in Mangiapane's reduced ice time. He noted that Mangiapane was benched for the remainder of the second period but returned in the third.

This incident has raised questions about whether Mangiapane is being held to a different standard than other players on the team. Some argue that similar mistakes made by other players haven't resulted in such swift and severe consequences. The decision to limit his ice time after one error, especially when he was otherwise playing well, has led to the perception of bias.

Mangiapane's overall performance this season has been a topic of discussion. While he had excellent seasons in 2020-21 and 2021-22, his production has since declined. This season, he's averaging a lower points-per-hour rate compared to his peak years. Some attribute this decline to injuries, particularly a shoulder surgery he underwent after the 2022-23 season. Since then, his shooting rates have decreased.

Despite these challenges, Mangiapane's underlying skills and potential remain evident. He is known as a speedy, two-way forward with a strong work ethic. He drives the net hard and possesses the ability to protect the puck and create scoring opportunities.

As the Oilers reportedly explore trade options for Mangiapane, this situation adds another layer of complexity. The perception of inconsistent treatment by the coach could potentially impact his trade value and his morale.