andrew mangiapane

Andrew Mangiapane Clears Waivers: What It Means for the Edmonton Oilers and NHL Free Agency

Photo: Andrew Mangiapane in action with the Edmonton Oilers. Credit: Getty Images

The Edmonton Oilers made headlines this week as forward Andrew Mangiapane successfully cleared NHL waivers on March 1, 2025—a move that has sparked discussion among fans, analysts, and insiders about his future in the league. While the transaction itself may seem routine on the surface, it carries significant weight given Mangiapane’s recent performance, contract status, and the Oilers’ ongoing roster strategy.

For Canadian hockey fans, especially those in Alberta, this development touches a nerve. After all, Mangiapane is a hometown product from Calgary who played junior hockey in Canada before making his NHL debut with the Montreal Canadiens. His journey back to the Oilers—where he briefly appeared earlier in his career—has been one of resilience and reinvention.

In this article, we break down what exactly happened with Mangiapane and waivers, explore the broader implications for both the player and the team, and examine how this fits into the larger landscape of NHL free agency and roster management.

What Are NHL Waivers and Why Do They Matter?

Before diving into Mangiapane’s situation, it’s important to understand what clearing waivers actually means.

When an NHL team wants to assign a player to the AHL without their consent (typically due to salary cap constraints or roster moves), they must place them on waivers. Any other NHL team can then “claim” the player by putting down a bid for their contract. If no team claims him within 24–48 hours (depending on timing), the player clears and can be sent down without restriction.

However, if a team wants to send a player down but fears another club will claim them, placing them on waivers becomes a strategic gamble—especially if the player is on an expiring or non-guaranteed deal.

In Mangiapane’s case, the Oilers placed him on waivers as part of a broader organizational shuffle ahead of the trade deadline. The expectation was that no team would claim him, allowing Edmonton to retain his rights while giving younger prospects like Josh Samanski or Isaac Howard an opportunity at the NHL level—as reported by Oilers Nation.

And so it went: Mangiapane cleared unclaimed, meaning he remains an unrestricted free agent after this season unless re-signed by the Oilers or another team.

A Timeline of Recent Developments

To better understand the context, here’s a chronological overview of key events surrounding Andrew Mangiapane in early March 2025:

• February 27, 2025: Reports emerge that five NHL players—including Mangiapane, Alec Regula, and others—were slated to go on waivers on March 1, per Daily Faceoff.

• March 1, 2025: Official waiver processing begins. Both Mangiapane and Regula are listed as being placed on waivers by the Edmonton Oilers.

• March 2, 2025: Confirmation from multiple outlets (Sportsnet, Oilers Nation) that Mangiapane and Regula have cleared waivers without being claimed.

• March 3, 2025: The Oilers announce they intend to recall either Josh Samanski or Isaac Howard from the Bakersfield Condors (AHL affiliate), signaling confidence in their developmental pipeline over veteran depth.

This sequence of events reflects a common pattern during the late-season stretch: teams use waivers to offload contracts while simultaneously preparing for the upcoming expansion draft and free agency period.

Why Was Mangiapane Placed on Waivers?

While official statements from the Oilers organization remain sparse, insider reporting suggests several factors drove the decision:

1. Contract Status: Mangiapane is currently playing out the final year of a two-year, $5 million contract signed in 2023. He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer—meaning the Oilers face a tough choice: re-sign him or let him walk without compensation.

2. Roster Competition: With the Oilers already deep at center and right wing—thanks to Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, and others—Mangiapane has seen limited ice time this season. In 47 games through February 2025, he’s recorded just 9 points (4 goals, 5 assists), well below his career averages.

3. Salary Cap Considerations: At $2.5 million annually, Mangiapane isn’t a massive cap hit, but every dollar counts for a contender like Edmonton, which is already near the top of the salary cap ceiling.

4. Development Priorities: By sending him down via waivers, the Oilers avoid losing him outright to another team and instead keep him under contract—albeit in the minors—while pushing prospects like Samanski and Howard toward full-time roles.

As noted in Sportsnet’s coverage, “Clearing waivers allows the Oilers to maintain leverage in negotiations while giving younger players a chance to prove themselves.”

Broader Implications for NHL Teams and Players

Mangiapane’s situation isn’t unique—but it does highlight a growing trend in NHL roster management: the increasing use of waivers as a financial and developmental tool.

Over the past decade, more teams have opted to place veterans on waivers even when they aren’t expected to be claimed. This allows organizations to:

• Preserve salary cap flexibility
• Test younger players in high-pressure situations
• Maintain contractual control without overcommitting long-term

For players like Mangiapane—who’ve shown flashes of offensive brilliance (he scored 27 goals in 2021–22 with the Flames) but struggled with consistency—waivers represent both risk and opportunity.

If another team had claimed him, Mangiapane could have landed on a playoff-contending squad with a chance to revive his career. But since he cleared, he now faces a crossroads: return to the Oilers, sign elsewhere as an UFA, or retire.

What Does This Mean for Canadian Hockey Fans?

As a native of Calgary who spent formative years playing in the WHL (Western Hockey League) with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Mangiapane embodies the classic “hockey story” that resonates deeply across Canada.

His journey includes: - Being drafted 46th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 2015
- Traded to the Calgary Flames in 2022, where he became a key scorer
- Moving to the Oilers in 2023 in a multi-player deal
- Facing injury setbacks and inconsistent play in Edmonton

Despite these challenges, Mangiapane remains a beloved figure among Canadian hockey circles—not just because of his talent, but because he represents the gritty, underdog narrative so central to the sport’s cultural fabric.

For Oilers fans, seeing him clear waivers may feel bittersweet. On one hand, it signals that management doesn’t view him as essential to their Stanley Cup aspirations this spring. On the other, it preserves hope that he could return next season as a cheaper, experienced depth option.

Future Outlook: Where Can Mangiapane Go From Here?

With free agency looming in July 2025, Mangiapane’s options are wide open—though not necessarily limitless.

Potential Paths Forward:

Analysts suggest that if the Oilers don’t re-sign him, Mangiapane could attract interest from mid-tier playoff teams looking for veteran scoring depth. Teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay Lightning, or Colorado Avalanche might see value in adding a proven goal-scorer with playoff experience.

But there’s also the possibility that Mangiapane chooses to step away. At 28 years old, he’s still physically capable—but injuries have taken a toll. His willingness to embrace a reduced role or mentor younger players could influence his final decision.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Waiver Clearance

Andrew Mangiapane clearing waivers isn’t just a procedural footnote in the NHL calendar—it’s a moment that encapsulates the complexities of modern professional hockey.

For the Edmonton Oilers, it’s a calculated move toward roster optimization and long-term flexibility. For Mangiapane himself, it’s a pivotal juncture in a career marked by promise and perseverance.

And for Canadian hockey enthusiasts, it’s a reminder of how deeply intertwined personal stories are with the game we love.

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