WA-WJC-WhatWentWrongForCanada Since taking over as General Manager of the Calgary Flames, Craig Conroy has worked to retool the roster, trading older players to acquire younger talent or draft capital. One winger who found himself on the block was forward Andrew Mangiapane. The Flames selected Mangiapane in the sixth round of the 2015 NHL Draft and he played in 417 career games with the team. Netting 109 goals and 215 points, Mangiapane proved himself to be a talented shooter at the NHL level while in Calgary. Entering the 2022-23 season, the Flames gave Mangiapane a three-year extension. Unfortunately, he wouldn't get to play out the entire deal in Calgary, as he was traded to the Washington Capitals before the final year. Conroy had to make room for some younger wingers who were ready for a larger role in the NHL, so he moved Mangiapane for a 2025 second-round pick. This opened the top-six space for talented young players like Matt Coronato [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/calgary-flames/latest-news/calgary-flames-matt-coronato-holiday-break-review]. For the Washington Capitals, this move served as a way to get more talent and depth around Alexander Ovechkin. The Caps are fighting to stay competitive in hopes of seeing their captain break Wayne Gretzky's goal record soon [https://thehockeynews.com/news/chasing-greatness-ovechkins-pursuit-of-gretzkys-nhl-goal-record-brims-with-reverence-for-the-legend]. So far the move has largely benefited both sides. In Washington, the team has had an incredible year, finding themselves with the second-best record in the NHL. Mangiapane has had a hand in their success, scoring nine goals and 16 points through his first 40 games in a primarily third-line role. Calgary on the other hand is capitalizing in areas other than the standings. While the team is still hanging around a wildcard spot, the success of this move for Conroy was to make more room for younger players to make an impact. Coronato took a little time to earn his top-six role this season but now has 20 points in 35 games this year. The Flames also has more draft capital with the second-round pick. With Conroy still reportedly looking for a center [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/calgary-flames/latest-news/calgary-flames-anaheim-ducks-trevor-zegras-trade-target]for his team, he could look to use the pick as part of any trade package — if he doesn't elect to use it at the next draft. The team has done well stockpiling prospects [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/calgary-flames/latest-news/did-flames-get-two-massive-steals-in-the-2024-draft] during his tenure. Since the trade, Mangiapane has helped his new team rocket to the top of the standings, and exceed the expectations of many. The Flames have used the room on the roster to add some younger players to the lineup and to acquire a relatively early draft pick. Both teams will be glad to have made the deal so far.
