Late lineup changes around the NHL often raise eyebrows, but when it comes to recognizable names, speculation quickly increases. That was the case Monday evening Andreas Mangiapane was a late healthy scratch for the Edmonton Oil Companieswhile Sean Monahan was ruled out for the Columbus Blue Jackets under the vague designation of “maintenance.”
Individually, each situation has a plausible explanation. Together they have fueled the chatter throughout the league.
Mangiapane holds steady as trade noise increases
Mangiapane’s absence came during Edmonton’s game against Winnipeg, where he was listed as a healthy scratch despite there being no public indication of an injury. Originally scheduled to be on the fourth line, the forward was suddenly scratched. Reports earlier in the day suggested the Oilers had granted Mangiapane’s agent permission to explore trade options. However, follow-up reporting revealed that neither the player nor his agent had been formally notified of a completed or impending deal.
That contradiction only added fuel to the fire. Sometimes it is difficult to stop players in this way to be on the safe side. Teams don’t want anyone to get hurt while they’re talking about it. Edmonton is struggling with the salary cap and needs some wiggle room on its roster, so Mangiapane’s name comes up as someone they could trade even if a deal isn’t done yet.
TSN’s Ryan Rishaug added”Mangiapane’s play is the reason he was scratched tonight. This is not surprising considering where his play has been for most of the season. Probably too late. Frederic, formerly, now Mangiapane, Knoblauch, set a higher standard for playing time and reset underperforming players.”
Monahan’s absence comes with an asterisk
In Columbus, Monahan was also postponed, although the Blue Jackets tightened up maintenance as a reason. Multiple reports have since highlighted that Monahan is dealing with a minor injury problem, suggesting his absence may be more a matter of caution than commerce.
Still, Monahan’s name is a common part of trade speculation around the league. He’s a proven center with playoff experience and fits the profile of a deadline target for contenders looking for depth at center. Columbus, meanwhile, is in a position where listening to veterans makes organizational sense.
Coincidence – or something more?
It’s hard not to notice the timing, even though there’s no evidence that these situations are related. Two big-name forwards are out, neither with a major injury, and both are rumored to be on the trading block – things like that make you wonder.
At this point, it’s best to stick to the facts. Monahan appears to be out due to injury, but Mangiapane’s scratch appears to have more to do with the roster and salary cap. We’ll see if these stories lead to actual transactions. People from around the league will be watching closely in the coming days.
Next: What’s changed? Analyst points to three attackers in the Mangiapane-Oilers shift
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