With the NHL trade deadline looming just five days away, the Edmonton Oilers are making bold moves to reshape their roster—and one decision is turning heads. Andrew Mangiapane, the once-promising forward, has been placed on waivers, marking a surprising turn for a player who was expected to bolster the team’s depth. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this a strategic play to free up cap space, or a sign of deeper issues within the Oilers’ lineup? Let’s dive in.
The Oilers, eyeing a third consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance, are pulling out all the stops to fine-tune their roster. On Sunday, they placed Mangiapane and defenseman Alec Regula on waivers, a move that signals their urgency to gain flexibility. And this is the part most people miss: Mangiapane’s placement on waivers comes after months of unsuccessful trade attempts, complicated by his full no-move clause. As Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman noted back in December, Mangiapane was open to a trade if it meant a larger role elsewhere. But with no takers, the Oilers are now exploring other options.
Mangiapane, a 29-year-old unrestricted free agent last offseason, signed a two-year, $7.2 million deal with the Oilers after being let go by the Capitals. However, his tenure in Edmonton has been underwhelming. With just 14 points in 52 games, he’s on track for his worst NHL season yet. Here’s the kicker: The Oilers have been outscored 38-21 at five-on-five with Mangiapane on the ice, a team-worst -17 mark. Is he the problem, or just a piece in a larger puzzle?
By placing him on waivers, the Oilers are opening two doors: Either another team claims him, or he clears waivers, allowing Edmonton to send him to the minors and save $1.15 million of his $3.6 million cap hit. It’s a calculated risk, but one that raises questions about the team’s long-term strategy. Are the Oilers sacrificing depth for financial flexibility, or is this a necessary cut to chase another championship?
Teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs have been rumored to show interest in Mangiapane, but so far, no deal has materialized. Meanwhile, other notable players hit waivers on Sunday, including Guillaume Brisebois (Canucks), Robby Fabbri (Blues), and Luke Kunin (Panthers), highlighting the league-wide scramble ahead of the deadline.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: The Oilers are playing chess, not checkers. But is this the right move? What do you think? Is letting go of Mangiapane a smart play, or a missed opportunity? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
