Oilers’ Andrew Mangiapane is drawing interest from the Western Conference’s dark horse

The Edmonton Oilers have scratched Andrew Mangiapane for the second time in three games. He was out of the lineup for Saturday’s 5-2 loss at home to the Philadelphia Flyers. He was also a healthy scratch for the December 30 game against the Winnipeg Jets.

Earlier this week, on Tuesday, NHL insider Elliott Friedman said on “Oilers Now” with Bob Stover that Mangiapane’s scratch against the Jets was not an immediate indication that the Oilers were trading him. He stated that the team was listening to the presentations.

During a headline segment on Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday, Friedman said the Anaheim Ducks have emerged as potential suitors for Mangiapane.

“I think there is interest in it [Mangiapane]. “I’ve heard there are some teams that are maybe a little nervous about Year 2, although other people say they don’t think it’s going to be a big deal,” Friedman said. (3:05) “He’s under contract for this year and next year. I heard Anaheim was one of the teams you’re looking at.

“We’ll see where that goes, but Edmonton is going to have to do one of two things. They’re either going to move away from him or they’re going to play with him and see if they can get him to play well. They really tried last night, but Mangiapane is sitting again today and they’re definitely looking. I think eventually they’ll be able to find a trade partner for him.”

Mangiapane’s time with the Oilers this season, after signing a two-year, $7 million contract, did not produce the results the team was hoping for. The forward has a team-worst rating of 17th in 40 games and has scored just five goals and 11 points during that span.

Earlier in the season, he played in the top six alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. After moving to the Round of 16, Mangiapane saw his ice time reduced, averaging just 13:22 per game. He was used on the third line alongside Draisaitl during the team’s December 31 game against the Boston Bruins.

The Anaheim Ducks’ cap space makes it a perfect fit for Andrew Mangiapane

According to PuckPedia, the Anaheim Ducks have $12,498,304 in projected cap space. They can comfortably absorb Mangiapane’s $3.5 million cap hit.

Entering the 2025-26 season, the 29-year-old was one year removed from a productive three-season stretch with the Calgary Flames, where he totaled 138 points primarily in a bottom-six role.

Anaheim’s bottom six are led largely by Ryan Buehling, Ross Johnston and Nikita Nesterenko. The Ducks are currently going through a tough stretch, having lost five straight games while earning just one point during that period.