This summer, Jason Newland and I will continue our series looking at potential free agent targets who could be available on July 1.
Today, we’re looking at Andrew Mangiapane.
Target: Andrew Mangiapane – LW – 8 Years Experience
Mangiapane is in the same situation as Ryan Donato in terms of interest level from the Columbus Blue Jackets.There’s a real chance he returns to the Washington Capitals, where he found success this past season.
However, if he does move on, he would be viewed as a high-end bottom-six forward—someone who can chip in 30-35 points while bringing energy and tenacity to a team’s depth group, likely on a cheaper contract.
Stats
Mangiapane played in 81 games this season with the Capitals and finished with 14 goals and 14 assists for 28 points. In his career, he has played for both the Capitals and Calgary Flames, appearing in 498 games and recording 123 goals and 120 assists for 243 points. His best season came in 2021-22 when he scored 55 points in 82 games with the Flames.
Previous Salary
Mangiapane is coming off the final year of a three-year deal he signed on August 2, 2022, with the Flames. The contract carried a $5.8 million AAV. Contract experts project his next deal to come in around four years at $5.3 million per season.
Realistic Chances of a Signing: Warm
The Blue Jackets could view Mangiapane as a solid depth addition. Outside of needing more help on the blue line, their bottom-six needs a boost. They already have a solid core that can score, but improved depth and added tenacity would be valuable.
Mangiapane filled that role with the Capitals this past season, slotting into their bottom-six and tallying 28 points and 74 hits. If he’s open to signing for less than what experts are predicting, GM Don Waddell would likely pick up the phone. But if his price tag stays in the $5 million range, it’s more likely the Blue Jackets will look elsewhere.
