Following their second consecutive Stanley Cup finals defeat, the Edmonton Oilers signed 29-year-old forward Andrew Mangiapane to a two-year deal worth $7.2 million. Mangiapane’s addition aims to strengthen Edmonton’s offense, likely slotting him into the second line alongside center Leon Draisaitl and right-wing Vasily Podkolzin. This new lineup offers the Oilers enhanced depth and experience on their forward lines.
Prior to committing to Edmonton, Mangiapane addressed circulating rumors about potential negotiations with the Toronto Maple Leafs during a guest appearance on TSN’s First Up with Aaron Korolnek and Carlo Colaiacovo. He acknowledged being aware of the Leafs’ interest but clarified that discussions did not advance significantly.
“I think I was definitely hearing out the Toronto Maple Leafs, (and) obviously there’s some pros and cons,” Magiapane said on the podcast. “But there was no really, I guess, firm offer or anything like that,”
—Andrew Mangiapane, Forward
Details of Mangiapane’s New Contract and Career Overview
Mangiapane’s contract with the Oilers secures him an annual salary of $3.6 million. Last season, he played for the Washington Capitals, recording 14 goals and 14 assists through 81 regular-season games, and contributing one goal and one assist across 10 playoff games. Originally drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2015, Mangiapane has accumulated 243 points in 498 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/hockey/nhl/”>NHL regular-season matches and added 14 points in 37 playoff appearances throughout his career.
The Maple Leafs, on the other hand, had been pursuing significant roster changes this offseason under general manager Brad Treliving, who expressed a need to “change its DNA.” This restructuring process included the departure of key player Mitch Marner, who was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights, leaving Toronto searching for offensive depth—a likely reason for their initial interest in Mangiapane.
Mangiapane’s Choice Reflects Oilers’ Push for Scoring Depth
By opting to join Edmonton, Mangiapane positions himself to contend for the Stanley Cup with a team focused on boosting its scoring lineup after parting ways with veterans Corey Perry and Evander Kane. His presence is expected to bolster the Oilers’ offensive capabilities, especially given their recent playoff challenges and roster adjustments.
Additional Oilers Signing: Curtis Lazar Returns on a One-Year Deal
Besides Mangiapane, the Oilers secured forward Curtis Lazar on a one-year contract valued at $775,000. Lazar spent last season with the New Jersey Devils before returning to Edmonton.
“I’m super-happy to be going back to Edmonton, I think everybody knows that’s where my hockey career started, playing junior…,” Lazar said, via NHL.com. “This summer, …I was thinking of where I can get my game back and where I can help a team win? Edmonton checked all those boxes.”
—Curtis Lazar, Forward
Lazar brings a wealth of experience with 572 NHL games played and contributes reliable forechecking skills to the Oilers’ bottom-six forward group, particularly enhancing the fourth line’s effectiveness.
Outlook for the Oilers and Mangiapane’s Impact
With these offseason additions, the Edmonton Oilers are attempting to address offensive depth concerns and reinforce their roster for another playoff run. Mangiapane’s signing reflects both a strategic move to inject experienced scoring and an effort to surround star players like Leon Draisaitl with compatible linemates. As the season approaches, the Oilers’ ability to overcome past disappointments may hinge on integrating new contributors such as Mangiapane and Lazar into a cohesive unit capable of advancing deeper into the playoffs.