Newly signed Edmonton Oilers winger Andrew Mangiapane is being eyed as one of the NHL’s top bounce-back candidates for the upcoming season. With a history of scoring in the Western Conference, there's a good reason he's someone to watch.
Alex Wiederspiel of YardBarker recently included Mangiapane among a list of names that included Andrei Kuzmenko, Elias Pettersson, and goaltender Jordan Binnington.
The reason he's considered someone who may bounce back is that Mangiapane is coming off a down year offensively in Washington. He registered just 14 goals and 14 assists over 81 games. He also got around 13 minutes of ice time per night.
Now signed to a two-year, $3.6 million AAV deal with the Oilers, the thought is that with better linemates, he could rediscover the scoring touch that saw him pot 35 goals with Calgary in 2021-22.
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One factor working in Mangiapane’s favor is the potential for top-six minutes in Edmonton. Early line projections suggest he could skate alongside Leon Draisaitl and prospect Matthew Savoie, a significant upgrade over his most common 2024-25 linemates in Washington—Nick Dowd and Lars Eller—neither of whom is known for offensive output.
As for the type of game Mangiapane will play: “I feel like that's where I thrive... Be on that line. Aggravate guys. Get under their skin. Be a pest. Be annoying to play against." He added, “I think that's what kind of makes me successful, and I'm happy to be back in Alberta and hopefully be given the opportunity to play in all situations.”
Mangiapane Comes Into the Season Healthy
Also important is Mangiapane’s improved health. He underwent shoulder surgery before the 2023-24 campaign, something he later admitted affected his shooting and on-ice production. A high-volume shooter, not being able to shoot the way he was accustomed to would have certainly played a toll mentally.
Now feeling closer to 100 percent, if he finds his form, he'll fit in seamlessly with Edmonton. They have speed and elite passing ability. The Oilers are in dire need of a pure shooter who can get open and cash in on their opportunities.
While his role is not yet set in stone, Mangiapane is expected to move throughout the lineup, offering flexibility and energy in the Oilers’ top nine. Whether as a middle-six contributor or a complementary piece in the top six, the opportunity is there for him to prove he’s more than just a reclamation project.
If he can stay healthy and rediscover his confidence, Mangiapane could be one of the Oilers’ best value signings heading into 2025-26. 20 goals are not out of the question. Can he get 25 or 30? He's got 35 on his NHL resume.
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