Mangiapane reveals why he signed with Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers recruited an old foe on the first day of free agency.
Andrew Mangiapane was the big signing of the day for Oilers GM Stan Bowman. The 29-year-old ex-Calgary Flames forward inked a two-year deal in Edmonton that carries a cap hit of $3.6 million.
Mangiapane spent last season with the Washington Capitals, but it’ll still be a bit strange to see the former Flame pull on the iconic Oilers jersey next season. He met with the media on Wednesday morning, where he described his motivation for switching sides in the Battle of Alberta.
“It’s gonna be fun to participate in the Battle of Alberta again,” Mangiapane said with a smile. “I think this was just a great fit for me. Edmonton has a great team, so I just want to come in and play my game and help the team in any way possible to win.
“I’m excited to be here, excited to be an Oiler, and excited to get things going.”
"I'm happy to be back in Alberta & hopefully be given the opportunity to play in all situations."
The newest #Oilers forward Andrew Mangiapane spoke with the media this morning after agreeing to a two-year contract last night.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/hyWFkqFc4H
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) July 2, 2025
He may not be the bona fide top-six winger Brock Boeser-type that many Oilers fans were hoping for, but Mangiapane is no slouch. While he isn’t likely to pot 35 goals this season, the Toronto native has been about as consistent as you could ask for in a middle-six winger, scoring at least 40 or more points in three of his last four seasons.
Last year was a tad disappointing in Washington, posting just 14 goals and 28 points through 81 games.
“Last year was a little bit of a down year for me, but I think I can get right back to where I’ve been and what I can do,” Mangiapane said.
There is more than just his offensive production to look at. Mangiapane plays a hard game and one that tends to get under the skin of opposing players. As he welcomes in another chapter of his career in the Alberta capital, he told the media that the style of play will not be changing.
“That’s always been part of my game. Being tenacious, hardworking, forechecking, trying to get in there and start things,” Mangiapane said. “It helps out my game being more involved… Being put out there in all situations, that’s where I thrive.
“Aggravate guys, get under their skins, be a pest, and be annoying to play against, that’s what makes me successful.”
Even if he isn’t the big-name winger that some expected the Oilers to swing on, Mangiapane will get a shot at getting to play big minutes, particularly with Leon Draisaitl on the second line.
That challenge doesn’t faze him in the slightest.
“It’s just going out there, being myself, and doing what makes me successful,” Mangiapane said. “It’s not easy for anyone… They want the puck as much as they can, but for me you just gotta go in there and play your game.
“When the pass is there, make the pass, when the shot is there, shoot the puck, you can’t overcomplicate it.”
Just like Viktor Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner before him, the pressure will be on to deliver results in that top-six spot. Only time will tell if he can do what those previous players could not.