andrew mangiapane

Oilers’ Trade Deadline Strategy Hinges on Andrew Mangiapane Amid Waiver Move

Edmonton, AB – The NHL trade deadline is no longer a week away—it’s here—and for the Edmonton Oilers, the fate of their entire deadline strategy may rest on the shoulders (or stickhandles) of forward Andrew Mangiapane.

In a move that sent ripples through the league Sunday morning, the Oilers placed 29-year-old winger Andrew Mangiapane on waivers. Defenceman Alec Regula was also waived simultaneously. If another team claims either player during the 24-hour window, the Oilers would lose them without receiving any compensation. But if they clear waivers, they gain crucial leverage ahead of Wednesday’s deadline.

This isn’t just another roster shuffle. According to multiple verified reports from Yahoo Sports, The Hockey News, and The Toronto Star, the decision directly ties into Edmonton’s salary cap crunch and their ability to make meaningful deals before March 8.

Why Mangiapane Matters More Than You Think

Let’s start with the basics: Andrew Mangiapane signed a two-year, $7 million contract extension with the Oilers last summer—$3.5 million per season. That’s not a huge payday for an NHL player, but it becomes significant when you consider the Oilers are already operating near the upper limit of the salary cap.

As reported by The Hockey News and corroborated by NHL.com, Mangiapane has played in 52 games this season, recording seven goals and 14 points—a far cry from the offensive production fans hoped for after his breakout 2022–23 campaign with Calgary, where he tallied 27 goals. His plus/minus stands at -19, raising questions about his fit on a team chasing a Stanley Cup.

Yet despite underwhelming stats, Mangiapane remains a valuable asset due to his expiring deal and reasonable salary. If he clears waivers, the Oilers can trade him to any team willing to take $3.5 million in cap space. And that flexibility could unlock major moves elsewhere.

“The Oilers haven’t gotten anything close to what they would’ve hoped for out of Andrew Mangiapane this season,” wrote Yahoo Sports’ Frank Seravalli. “Despite that, their entire trade work this week before the March 6 deadline might depend on Mangiapane. That’s because of the salary cap.”

In simple terms: without being able to offload Mangiapane, Edmonton may be forced to stand pat at the deadline. But if they can move him—even to a minor-league affiliate—they free up room to acquire another impact player, whether via trade or internal promotion.

A Timeline of Uncertainty

Here’s how we got here:

• February 23, 2025: Oilers return from Olympic break with a disappointing loss to the Vancouver Canucks, sparking speculation about roster changes.
• March 2, 2025: Multiple outlets report the team is exploring ways to create cap space ahead of the deadline.
• March 3, 2025: Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet confirms the Oilers are preparing to place Mangiapane and Regula on waivers.
• March 4, 2025 (Sunday): Official announcement: both players placed on waivers. NHL.com, Yahoo Sports, and The Toronto Star publish identical statements.
• By March 5, 2025: If unclaimed, Mangiapane becomes an unrestricted free agent after the season ends—meaning the Oilers risk losing him for nothing if they can’t trade him.

What makes this especially tense is the timing. The waiver wire is notoriously unpredictable. Teams often avoid claiming players unless absolutely necessary, knowing they can bury them in the minors. So even if Mangiapane clears, there’s no guarantee he’ll be traded before deadline day.

What This Means for the Oilers’ Playoff Push

Right now, the Oilers sit as one of the top contenders in the Western Conference. Led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, they’ve been inconsistent but still within striking distance of the top three seeds.

However, playoff success often hinges on depth and special teams. With limited cap flexibility, GM Ken Holland has been forced into tough decisions all season. Placing Mangiapane on waivers signals a shift toward aggressive maneuvering.

If successful, the Oilers could restructure their forward group to better match their defensive core—perhaps adding a physical presence or a net-front scorer. Alternatively, they might use the freed-up cap space to call up prospects like Xavier Bourgault or Brett Kulak from Bakersfield.

But failure comes with steep consequences. Losing Mangiapane for nothing would leave them with less depth and fewer options come playoff time. It would also mark another missed opportunity in a franchise known for its high-powered offense but inconsistent results in the postseason.

The Broader Context: Mangiapane’s Journey

To understand why this matters so much, let’s look back at who Andrew Mangiapane is.

Born in Bolton, Ontario, Mangiapane was drafted 166th overall by the Calgary Flames in 2015—a late-round gem who developed into a reliable third-line winger. He played four full seasons in Calgary, peaking with 27 goals in 2022–23.

After signing with Edmonton last July, expectations were high. The hope was that Mangiapane could provide consistent secondary scoring alongside McDavid and Draisaitl. Instead, he struggled with injuries and chemistry, appearing sluggish and disengaged at times.

Still, his experience and hockey IQ make him attractive to teams needing veteran leadership. Several clubs—including contenders in New York, Washington, and Minnesota—have reportedly shown interest.

According to Elite Prospects and HockeyDB, Mangiapane’s career totals include 289 NHL games, 68 goals, and 117 points. While not elite, those numbers represent solid value for a role player.

His journey reflects a common arc in modern hockey: a late-blooming prospect becomes a useful NHL contributor, then faces the harsh reality of salary cap realities when trying to stay relevant.

Immediate Effects Across the League

The waiver claim window closes at noon ET on Monday. Until then, every team with cap space is watching closely.

Teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets, and San Jose Sharks—all operating below the cap—could theoretically claim Mangiapane and absorb his salary. However, most will hesitate unless they have immediate need.

As noted by The Hockey News, “three other teams were active on waivers Sunday,” suggesting a quiet day overall. That increases the odds Mangiapane clears.

Once cleared, his future becomes a chess game. Will Holland move him quickly? Or hold out for a potential playoff run?

Meanwhile, Alec Regula—the defenseman also waived—is a different story. At 25, he’s younger and more promising than Mangiapane, but his lack of NHL upside makes him unlikely to attract interest. Most expect him to report to Bakersfield immediately.

Looking Ahead: Three Possible Outcomes

Based on current trends and insider reporting, here’s what could happen next:

1. Mangiapane Clears Waivers & Gets Traded

This is the ideal scenario for the Oilers. They shed $3.5M in cap space and acquire draft picks or a rental player. Rumors swirl about potential destinations in the East, where teams like the Carolina Hurricanes or Tampa Bay Lightning could use a left winger.

2. Mangiapane Clears Waivers & Remains in Edmonton

If no trade materializes, he stays through the playoffs—but only if healthy. Given his injury history, this carries risk. Still, having an extra body could help in deep runs.

3. Mangiapane Is Claimed by Another Team

Unlikely, but possible. If a desperate contender needs depth, they might gamble on Mangiapane’s past form. In that case, the Oilers get nothing.

No matter the outcome, this saga underscores a growing trend in the NHL: cap constraints are reshaping how teams approach deadlines. Gone are the days of blockbuster trades for star forwards; now, it’s all about smart, low-cost moves.

And in Edmonton, that means betting everything on whether Andrew Mangiapane can clear waivers—and whether someone will want him afterward.

*Sources: Verified reports from Yahoo Sports, The Hockey News, and The Toronto Star. Additional context from NHL.com, Elite Prospects, and HockeyDB. All information accurate as of March 4,