All-in-all, there’s a good chance that Mangiapane will be in a different jersey by the end of the season.
There’s blame to be had on the player, the coaching, and external factors such as injuries for his underwhelming results. It’s a shame that things didn’t quite work out in Edmonton.
While he certainly didn’t do everything he could to earn his spot in the lineup, you can’t fault Mangiapane alone for the lack of playing time and why would he want to put in an effort if the head coach doesn’t want him in the lineup?
Toronto can capitalize on a tough cap situation out in Edmonton
That feels very similar to Toronto and their David Kampf situation, though they would be able to actually add a bit more if they were to take on Mangiapane’s deal.
With him making $3.6-million, it’s quite a bit to ask for when it comes to taking on a player with only 12 points in 47 games and is on pace for some of his lowest numbers in his career.
But you’re getting another year out of him in a retool, and by taking on his deal it may give them an extra draft pick or prospect as part of a sweetener for absorbing his cap.
Toronto was already heavily linked to Mangiapane and the connection between him and current GM Brad Treliving from their time in Calgary is well-known.
It may rub fans the wrong way, especially depending on what goes back (potentially Bobby McMann) but if that leads to Toronto earning themselves one or two of Edmonton’s top picks then it’ll be worth it.
Besides, they can always use those picks in a much bigger deal down the line.