This in from Edmonton Oilers prospect expert Bruce Curlock, news that forward Andrew Mangiapane played just one shift for the Bakersfield Condors in their morning game today.
Said Curlock: “For those hoping to watch Andrew Mangiapane in Bakersfield. He played the first shift of the game and none since. I’ll go out on a limb and say this is asset management work by the Oilers. Which is definitely the smart thing to do here.”
And WHL hockey scout Dan Tencer: “Makes total sense. If there’s a remote chance you can move him there’s no sense having him risk anything in a game for your AHL team.”
Mangiapane was sent to Bakersfield as part of Edmonton’s effort to maximize its salary cap for the rest of the season with Mattias Janmark going on Long Term Injury Reserve (LTIR).
Mangiapane passed through waivers with all other 31 teams have a chance to take him, but there was no interest in the 29-year-old forward and his two year deal at $3.6 million pe season. That’s no surprise as Mangiapane’s iffy start with the Oilers means he’s no longer worth such a high cap hit as an NHLer.
But his one quick shift in Bakersfield indicates he’s returning to the NHL. But where?
He’s been on the market for more than two months now, ever since he and the team decided it was best for him to move on and that decision became public. It seems like he and the Oilers will finally get their wish, as Oilers insider Bob Stauffer made clear on Oilers Now on Monday, talking to guest Frank Seravalli of Frankly Hockey.
Said Stauffer: “I think we both think it’s inevitable that Mangiapane gets moved at some point. Is that fair?”
Replied Seravalli: “He’s been in my trade targets board in the Top 10 for a long time.”
The most common rumour in hockey circles is that Mangiapane will be sent to Toronto for centre Nic Roy, with the Oilers adding some kind of sweetener. Mangiapane has seven goals and 14 points in 52 games this year. Roy, 29, has five goals and 20 points in 58 games. Roy has one more year left on a deal that pays him $3.0 million per season.
But Mangiapane has also been linked in trade rumours to Ottawa, Winnipeg and various other NHL teams.
My take
1. I’m no insider, and I’m just guessing here, but Toronto’s GM Brad Treliving was hockey boss of the Calgary Flames when Mangiapane had his best season, 2021-22, when he scored 35 goals. Treliving may have confidence in a player he knows, at least if he’s got a good impression of Mangiapane’s character.
2. Mangiapane has been iffy this year, but not awful. I’d peg his value as an NHL at around $1.5 million. He’s still got a wicked shot and he still is a solid defender.