The Edmonton Oilers have managed to turn around a season that initially looked lukewarm. Recent history is a testament to the team’s renewed form and energy after the Holiday break. While the Oilers have not yet matched their past post-holiday record, the team remains firmly in second place in the Pacific Division, thanks to a spectacular December campaign.
Meanwhile, the Oilers may be eager to move a forward who, unfortunately, has failed to prove his fit with the team. Trade rumors have surrounded this winger for a while now, and according to the Fourth Period, Stan Bowman is in talks with three teams about a potential move.
Edmonton Oilers’ Andrew Mangiapane Trade Talks Heat Up
When Bowman acquired Andrew Mangiapane at the very onset of free agency, signing him to a two-year, $7.2 million contract, he couldn’t have known that the 29-year-old’s performance would be so woefully underwhelming. The winger has only accumulated 11 points over the 40 games he has played for the Oilers this season.
The Oilers community has been particularly unforgiving of his shortcomings, and it goes without saying that the fans wouldn’t be too happy if Mangiapane’s stay gets extended. A move seems imminent, but where could the winger be headed next?
According to the Fourth Period, the Oilers have a preference for the kind of trade they want. “Oilers GM Stan Bowman has been fishing for a trade partner and is hoping to bring in a two-way type of forward in a deal.”
Mangiapane, on the other hand, just wants an opportunity to prove his hockey skills anew. “Mangiapane would prefer to move to a contender, but he is open to the ‘best fit’ for him that allows him to get back on track and be given the opportunity to play consistent offensive minutes,” reported David Pagnotta.
Consequently, Bowman has been speaking to three teams about the winger, one of them being the Oilers’ division rivals, the Anaheim Ducks. “The Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings and Winnipeg Jets are just three of the team the Oilers are believed to have spoken to about Mangiapane’s availability.”
In the ever-increasing noise about Mangiapane’s future, Chris Johnston has recently linked the winger with the Toronto Maple Leafs. According to Johnston, the familiarity between Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving and Mangiapane could be one of the reasons why Toronto could be interested in acquiring him. Moreover, the move, if it ever happens, is not expected to be a massive liability for the Leafs.
While Mangiapane’s recent performance has cast a shadow of doubt on his mettle as an NHL player, maybe all that the veteran forward needs is to find his right fit to rediscover the fire inside him.
