Amid a nightmarish season, trade rumors continue to surround the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Leafs’ performance has been inexcusable this season, notwithstanding their relentless injury woes. As the Leafs languish at the bottom of the Atlantic Division, a disappointing fall from last season’s performance, the team has been linked to a 29-year-old forward playing for Canadian rivals, the Edmonton Oilers.
Andrew Mangiapane Linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs Amid Disgraceful Season
Stan Bowman acquired Andrew Mangiapane at the onset of free agency. The 29-year-old signed a two-year, $7.2 million contract with the team, which has an average annual value of $3.6 million. Mangiapane has failed to land on the right side of the Oilers community. Mangiapane has accumulated 11 points in 40 games with the team so far, falling short of expectations for him.
It goes without saying that Oilers fans, who are never hesitant to share their staunch views about the team’s players, wouldn’t be too happy if Mangiapane’s stay in Edmonton gets extended. A move seems likely, and Chris Johnston believes that the Maple Leafs could be a potential destination for the veteran forward.
However, why would the Leafs be eager to acquire Mangiapane despite his forgettable performance with the Oilers? First of all, the Leafs are unlikely to pay a high price to the Oilers in return for Mangiapane. Moreover, the forward’s performance during his time with the Washington Capitals was not half bad.
Why not, here are all 421 in one place pic.twitter.com/PmxSxW7SZf
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) January 5, 2026
“Toronto is low on draft capital and knows it’s going to have a tough time chasing upgrades at the trade deadline as a result. The acquisition cost in this case will likely be negligible. Plus, Mangiapane is only one year removed from a season with the Washington Capitals that included some encouraging stretches of play,” Johnston wrote in his contribution to The Athletic, highlighting the upside of such a trade if it were to happen.
Moreover, the existing familiarity between Leafs GM Brad Treliving and Mangiapane could also play a favorable role in the potential move. “It’s also worth noting that the player has a favorable history with Leafs GM Brad Treliving dating back to their time together in Calgary. If you’re going to take a risk, it’s always easier to do it on a known commodity,” Johnston explained.
Pierre LeBrun, on the other hand, has linked Mangiapane to the Oilers’ Western Conference rivals, the Winnipeg Jets. ” They’re [the Jets] dying for any kind of secondary scoring. I think the fact Mangiapane has another year on his deal would actually be appealing to the Jets, whose playoff chances are certainly in trouble for this season but far from done,” LeBrun wrote.
Mangiapane may have failed to click with the Oilers. To give an absolute statement about his career or potential as an NHL player would be unfair, not until he has been potentially moved to another team and allowed to prove himself anew.
