Andrew Mangiapane is expected to enter free agency this summer after completing his one-year contract with the Washington Capitals. The 29-year-old winger’s current deal is set to expire in the coming weeks, prompting speculation about his next destination as he prepares to explore the open market.
Recent Developments and Agent Change Ahead of Free Agency
Insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported that Mangiapane has changed representation and is now under the guidance of Allain Roy of RSG Hockey. This move comes as the Capitals finalize their team plans for the offseason. According to Pagnotta,
“As the Capitals navigate their off-season plan, it looks like Andrew Mangiapane will be hitting July 1 as a UFA. Also, of note, Mangiapane has switched agents and is now represented by Allain Roy at RSG Hockey.”
— David Pagnotta, Hockey Insider
Performance Overview During His Tenure with the Capitals
Last summer, the Capitals acquired Mangiapane from the Calgary Flames, trading away their 2025 second-round draft pick to secure his services. Throughout the 2024-25 NHL season, Mangiapane primarily played in the bottom-six forward group, averaging 13 minutes and 2 seconds of ice time per game. Over 81 contests, he tallied 28 points, consisting of 14 goals and 14 assists, contributing as a steady depth scorer.
Mangiapane’s Peak Years and Role Comparison
During his standout 2021-22 season with Calgary, Mangiapane notched 55 points, including 35 goals and 20 assists across 82 games. That year, he enjoyed expanded responsibilities, including power-play and penalty-kill duties, and regularly skated alongside players like Mikael Backlund, Blake Coleman, and Tyler Toffoli. In contrast, his role in Washington was more limited, often playing alongside a declining Lars Eller and receiving fewer special teams opportunities.
Capitals’ Roster and Salary Cap Considerations
Salary cap projections estimate Mangiapane’s next contract to be a two-year deal averaging approximately $3.83 million annually. The Capitals currently face a tight salary cap situation, with just $9.375 million available in the offseason. Given this constraint, Washington is expected to rely on a less expensive option, such as Ryan Leonard, who remains on his entry-level contract, to fill the role vacated by Mangiapane.
Youth Movement and Competition for NHL Spots in Washington
In addition to salary considerations, the Capitals have several promising prospects pushing for NHL roster spots during the upcoming training camp. Players like Andrew Cristall, Ivan Miroshnichenko, Hendrix Lapierre, and Ilya Protas are among the prospects expected to make an impact. They will face competition from emerging talents such as Ethen Frank, Bogdan Trineyev, and Henrik Rybinski as the team aims to integrate younger players into its lineup.
Outlook: What Lies Ahead for Mangiapane and the Capitals
As Andrew Mangiapane prepares to test free agency, his future remains uncertain given Washington’s cap restrictions and focus on younger talent. His experience and scoring ability may attract interest from other NHL teams seeking a versatile winger. Meanwhile, the Capitals seem poised to enter the next season with a younger, more cost-effective roster, emphasizing development and cap flexibility as they plan forward.