The No. 88 doesn’t mean much outside of Chicago, but it has a special place in the hearts of hockey fans in the Windy City.
Patrick Kane doesn’t need explanation. Three Stanley Cups, the most points scored by an American-born player — it’s a matter of when he’ll make the Hockey Hall of Fame, not if.
If you’re someone who’s traded to the Chicago Blackhawks, it’s in your best interest not to ask for that number. Or to change it, which is what Andrew Mangiapane did.
“That was maybe the first text I may have gotten, that the 88 was off limits,” Mangiapane said.
The left wing wears No. 26 now, a number he had in the junior leagues. It has been only four games in a Hawks sweater after being traded from the Edmonton Oilers, but Mangiapane is playing as if there’s familiarity with his new team at the United Center and beyond.
At the end of the second period of Thursday’s 3-2 overtime win over the Utah Mammoth in Salt Lake City, Mangiapane worked hard to win a puck battle, giving him a chance to set Ilya Mikheyev up before his pass was blocked. He didn’t shy away from the scuffles that ensued in the growing rivalry.
For a young team learning to stick up for each other, Mangiapane brings a needed dirtiness to the Hawks. He’ll throw some pushes and shoves in there — or put someone in a headlock, like he did in the first period — to let opponents know they’re in for a tough game.
“What Andrew’s done is he’s brought us into the fight a little bit, he’s a very competitive guy,” Hawks coach Jeff Blashill said. “He competes hard, he plays north, straight-ahead hockey, which sometimes we can get a little too east-west with some of our young skill.
“He plays a very direct north game, and that helps the team a lot. He’s been a good addition, a lot of compete to him, someone we’re happy to have as part of our group.”
Blashill has been tasked with developing a young group into NHL-ready players. Mangiapane appreciates the coach’s directness.
Blackhawks left wing Andrew Mangiapane (26) is hit against the boards by Mammoth defenseman John Marino on Monday, March, 9, 2026, at the United Center. (Josh Boland/Chicago Tribune)
“He’s very detailed and processed, you could see by the by the way he talks,” Mangiapane said. “He’s going to let you know (if you messed up) so that you can you know better yourself and it’s for the betterment of the team.”
After the NHL trade-deadline smoke cleared, the Hawks finished as the youngest team in the NHL. Mangiapane’s feistiness is something the group can learn from, now that the 29-year-old is suddenly a veteran in the locker room.
“This is kind of new for me, being one of the older guys, but it’s fun and I’m excited for the new role and opportunity,” Mangiapane said. “(If) these young guys have any questions or whatever, (I’ll) help them in that direction.”
Blackhawks left wing Andrew Mangiapane (26) taps gloves with teammates after scoring against the Mammoth on Monday, March, 9, 2026, at the United Center. (Josh Boland/Chicago Tribune)
In his ninth NHL season, Mangiapane scored his first goal with a Hawks on Monday in the second of three wins over the Mammoth in 12 days.
The transition from Edmonton to Chicago has been pretty easy for him.
“There’s still room for me to grow on the ice with learning the systems and being quicker in the decision-making on the ice and everything like that,” Mangiapane said. “As far as the guys and the group is concerned, (they’ve) been awesome.
“It’s obviously a young team (that’s) full of energy and easy to get along. (I) just want to keep winning games and keep taking the next step for our team.”
One thing that hasn’t changed is him being teammates with a star forward named Connor. Now it’s Bedard instead of McDavid.
“You see why he’s special, (he’s) got a heck of a shot, smart player, and I think his game’s going to continue to grow and take steps along with this team,” Mangiapane said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun in the coming years for this team and for this organization.”