Former Oiler Not Likely in Andrew Mangiapane Trade Return

Trade speculation around Andrew Mangiapane continues to pick up, and Elliotte Friedman believes the Edmonton Oilers will eventually find a landing spot for the winger. While the fit in Edmonton hasn’t fully materialized, Friedman pointed to underlying numbers, cap considerations, and potential trade partners that could make a move realistic before long.

The Anaheim Ducks have been connected to a Mangiapane trade, but rumors of a former Oiler coming back in the deal seem unlikely.

---

Friedman’s Latest Update on theMangiapane Trade Talks

Friedman walked through what he’s heard regarding the Mangiapane trade speculation on the most recent episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast. He explained:

“One of the teams told me — if you believe in the PDO stat, which is shooting percentage plus team save percentage — his number is really bad. That’s kind of the unofficial ‘luck stat.’ It suggests you’re not getting shooting luck or save luck when you’re on the ice.”

That may work in the Oilers’ favor, as another team might see Mangiapane’s struggles as more of a one-off or a fluke. Perhaps he’d fare better elsewhere.

Friedman added:

“I do think the Oilers are going to be able to find a landing spot for Mangiapane. It’s one more year at $3.6 million, and I don’t think it’s going to be too hard. He’s proven he can score. Sometimes players just need a change. You look at Mason Marchment — he was a bad fit in Seattle, it didn’t work, then he went to Columbus, and he’s been very good for them. That happens.”

Are the Ducks a Real Option? What About Ryan Strome Rumors?

Friedman noted that he mentioned Anaheim on Saturday night for two reasons. Number one, they’ve started to struggle a bit. They have a lot of guys who’ve never gone through this kind of meat grinder before — really talented team, some good veterans like Radko Gudas, Jacob Trouba, and Chris Kreider — but they just suffered a big injury with Frank Vatrano, who’s going to be out for a while. Friedman believes the Ducks will want to hold onto or add veterans to help their young players get through this.

Because the Ducks also have cap room, Mangiapane’s contract is not a big deal.

However, Friedman isn’t buying into the Strome-for-Mangiapane rumors. That type of deal might make sense on paper, but the problem is Strome makes about $1.5 million more than Mangiapane, and Edmonton doesn’t have the room to take that on. “So it would depend on how Anaheim feels about that situation.”

Instead, the Oilers might want someone willing to take on a grinder-type depth role for their bottom six.

“I’ve also heard the Oilers are looking for a player who would be more accepting of the role Mangiapane was trending toward — more of a bottom-six role, not necessarily getting chances to play with Leon or Connor as often. Strome wouldn’t really fit that, so that’s what I’ve heard there,” said Friedman.

Are The Toronto Maple Leafs an Option for the Oilers?

Given that GM Brad Treliving had Mangiapane in Calgary, there’s been some chatter that he might look at Mangiapane for the Toronto Maple Leafs. “I did have some people suggest Toronto as a possibility — maybe a Maccelli-type move —, but I don’t think that’s realistic,” added Friedman.

I do think they’ll find a landing spot for him. I just don’t know exactly where yet.

Next: Why Drastic Oilers’ Line Shift Isn’t the Answer — Yet