David Pagnotta broke the news yesterday that the Red Wings have called the Oilers regarding forward Andrew Mangiapane. The exact package discussed is unclear, but I’ll do my best to outline some mock trades built around Mangiapane.

If you want to check out how any of these trades affect the teams involved or create mock trades yourself, use Box Score Junkie and their fantastic slew of NHL tools.

Why Does Detroit Want Andrew Mangiapane?

Truthfully, I’m not entirely sure.

Mangiapane is a fine player, but his production has never consistently impressed me. That said, Detroit’s interest likely stems from its lack of depth on the left wing. Beyond DeBrincat, the options thin out quickly, and Mangiapane does at least bring a proven résumé, even if it was only for a small window.

He would provide an offensive boost, which is always appealing to me. Admittedly, his -17 rating on an otherwise decent Edmonton team doesn’t inspire much confidence about his overall play, so this would very much be a reclamation project.

I also don’t think Edmonton would be looking for a massive return. Mangiapane has been scratched recently, which could indicate that a deal is in the works or, more likely, that the Oilers are starting to lose some trust in him.

There is still upside here. He’s scored 35 goals before, a career high that currently exceeds Dylan Larkin’s. I highly doubt he ever returns to that level, even with top-line chances. Hell, he couldn’t do it on the same team that has Connor McDavid. However, he could realistically contribute to the second power-play unit and would immediately be one of Detroit’s better goal-scoring options in the bottom six. He might honestly be the best aside from James Van Riemsdyk.

At best, the move could be similar to that of the one we have with JVR. A good depth scorer who can chip in when they’re on their game. At worst, it can be another Tarasenko situation, another overpaid winger who doesn’t contribute much on either side of the ice. It’s not a risk I realistically see Yzerman taking unless he knows something about the situation that we don’t.

Edmonton is in a difficult spot. Cap space is tight, their goaltending situation has gotten worse with Tristan Jarry injured, and the defense group remains mediocre at best. The Oilers need flexibility and assets, and Detroit has a surplus of both, even if it means paying slightly above market value.

2025–26 Stats: 40 GP, 5 G, 6 A, 11 P
Career Highs: 82 GP (2022–23), 35 G (2021–22), 26 A (2023–24), 55 P (2021–22)

Mock Trade 1:

Edmonton Oilers Receive: Cam Talbot

Detroit Red Wings Receive: Andrew Mangiapane

We’re a bit beyond the point of hockey trades in the NHL. I do think this is a trade that would work well for both sides though. Detroit gets a forward to increase their depth and gets to call up goaltender Sebastian Cossa to get some reps as a backup. Edmonton also gets an upgrade in net, and one that has been around the franchise before. Cam Talbot has shown that he can perform well if a good team is in front of him. In the year before coming to Detroit, he was an All-Star for the Kings. It’s possible that Talbot’s veteran consistency is enough to get them over the hump.

It works for both sides, both now and in the future. I think Detroit is giving up the better asset, but it clears a log-jam for Cossa to come up. Not a lot of teams would covet Cam Talbot the way that the Oilers would, and I’m sure Talbot would like one last run at a Stanley Cup. I’ve said before, Detroit could use a sniper in the bottom six, Kasper on the third line needs someone who can finish, and Mangiapane at his best would be just that.

Mock Trade 2:

Edmonton Oilers Receive: Shai Buium, 2026 2nd round pick, 2027 4th round pick

Detroit Red Wings Receive: Andrew Mangiapane

The Oilers get a fringe NHL defenceman with some solid upside. Unfortunately for Edmonton, he would be one of their better options on the third pair as early as next season. The main reason Edmonton might do this deal is that they free up around $2.8M in cap space for the deadline, as well as nabbing a second-round pick they can choose to include in a deal as well. Simply, Detroit gets the player that they want here.

Edmonton has the fortune of being able to have a solid offense no matter who is on the roster. I’m pretty sure I could record some points playing next to McDavid. If Mangiapane isn’t working, there are certainly cheaper options that will perform better. Buium gives them some help on the back end. Importantly, he’s a defensive defenceman, something a team that depends on Evan Bouchard is going to need pretty darn badly.

Mock Trade 3:

Edmonton Oilers Receive: Elmer Soderblom, Ondrej Becher

Detroit Red Wings Receive: Andrew Mangiapane, 2028 6th round pick

There is only so many forward spots in Grand Rapids. I like Becher, and I have consistently been really positive about him. I do wonder if he can become decent in a new prospect pool that is much thinner. Soderblom gives them size and cap relief. For that, Detroit also gets a late-round sweetener in return.

This is truthfully the one I see the Oilers wanting least. It gives them a solid depth option and the cap relief, but doesn’t push them forward. It just gives them the ability to make another move. With how few movable assets Edmonton has now, I doubt they would move Mangiapane unless it moves them forward, not laterally.

Wrap Up:

There are a lot of avenues for a trade. That’s the good news. Edmonton could use a boost anywhere in the lineup and even on the books. There are deals to be made for general manager Steve Yzerman. The question is, will the Edmonton Oilers value Mangiapane as the forward they have scratched or the former 35-goal scorer they hope he can be?

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