Recently, Andrew Mangiapane signed a two-year, $7.2 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers, which carries a $3.6 million average annual value (AAV). What makes this move surprising is that Mangiapane reportedly turned down nearly twice as much money from another team out West, likely one still rebuilding.
Instead of chasing a bigger paycheck, he chose a team where he sees a real chance to compete for the Stanley Cup. It’s a rare decision in the NHL that says much about what matters most to him.
Why Did Andrew Mangiapane Choose Edmonton Over a Bigger Payday?
According to insider David Pagnotta, speaking on the “Inside Hockey” podcast with Brenden Escott, Mangiapane had a significantly larger offer on the table from another Western Conference team, possibly the San Jose Sharks, based on their known spending behavior this offseason.
That offer was reportedly close to $15 million over a similar term, nearly double what he took in Edmonton. Despite the financial upside elsewhere, Mangiapane prioritized something that can’t be measured in dollars: a chance to win.
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The #Oilers have signed forward Andrew Mangiapane to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $3.6 million. pic.twitter.com/z2ZycYsFxZ
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) July 2, 2025
The 29-year-old winger is no stranger to the ups and downs of professional hockey. After breaking out with a 35-goal season for the Calgary Flames in 2021–22, he landed a lucrative $17.4 million contract. But his production has since leveled off.
Over the last three seasons, he has settled into a reliable third-line role, averaging about 15 goals per year. Last season, split with the Washington Capitals, he tallied 14 goals and 28 points while averaging just 13 minutes of ice time per game. Not bad numbers, considering the limited usage.
What Makes This Move So Unusual for Mangiapane?
What’s even more intriguing is Mangiapane’s history with the Oilers’ biggest rival, the Calgary Flames. Having spent seven seasons in Calgary, he never imagined suiting in Edmonton’s blue and orange. But times and priorities change. Speaking on TSN1050’s “First Up,” Mangiapane admitted the situation felt surreal at first.
“If you told me two years ago I’d be playing for the Edmonton Oilers, I’d be laughing at you,” he said. “When they reached out, I couldn’t pass up on that opportunity. I have this great opportunity to play on a Stanley Cup contender who went to the final two years in a row.
“They’re a great team, I get to play with great players, and I felt like it was a great fit for my family.”
That fit seems to be the core reason behind his decision. Rather than opting for more money with a rebuilding team, where wins would be fewer and pressure possibly higher, Mangiapane chose the Oilers, a team that’s already deep and playoff-proven (almost).
His role may not be top-line or high-scoring. Still, on a club loaded with offensive talent like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, his ability to provide depth scoring and responsible two-way play will be invaluable.
For Edmonton, it’s a low-risk, high-reward move. At $3.6 million a year, Mangiapane brings postseason experience, versatility, and a willingness to buy into a team-first mentality, all at a cost well below what other teams were reportedly willing to pay.
For Mangiapane, the decision reflects a mindset increasingly rare in professional sports: choosing long-term satisfaction, team success, and stability over a bigger contract.
