Trade speculation surrounding Andrew Mangiapane continues to increase and Elliotte Friedman believes the Edmonton Oilers will eventually find a landing spot for the winger. While the situation in Edmonton hasn’t fully played out yet, Friedman pointed to underlying numbers, ceiling considerations and potential trade partners that could make a move realistic soon.
The Anaheim Ducks have been linked to a Mangiapane trade, but rumors of a former Oiler returning to the deal seem unlikely.
Friedman’s latest update on the Mangiapane trade talks
Friedman discussed what he heard about the Mangiapane trade speculation on the most recent episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast. He explained:
“One of the teams told me — if you believe in the PDO metric, which is shooting percentage plus team save percentage — that his numbers are really bad. That’s kind of an unofficial lucky statistic.” It suggests that you don’t get shooting luck or save luck when you’re on the ice.
That could work in the Oilers’ favor, as another team could view Mangiapane’s struggles as more of a one-off or a fluke. Maybe he would do better elsewhere.
Friedman added:
“I really think the Oilers will be able to find a landing spot for Mangiapane. It’s one more year at $3.6 million, and I don’t think it’s going to be too difficult. He’s proven he can score. Sometimes players just need a change. Look at Mason Marchment: he was a bad fit in Seattle, it didn’t work out, then he went to Columbus, and he’s been really good for them. That happens.”
Are the Ducks a viable option? What about the Ryan Strome rumors?
Friedman noted that he mentioned Anaheim on Saturday night for two reasons. First of all, they’re starting to struggle a bit. They have a lot of guys who have never been through this kind of meat grinder before – a really talented team, some good veterans like Radko Gudas, Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider – but they just suffered a major injury to Frank Vatrano, who will be out for a while. Friedman believes the Ducks want to retain or add veterans to help their young players get through this.
Since the Ducks also have cap room, Mangiapane’s contract doesn’t amount to much.
However, Friedman doesn’t believe the Strome-for-Mangiapane rumors. Those kinds of deals might make sense on paper, but the problem is that Strome makes about $1.5 million more than Mangiapane, and Edmonton doesn’t have the cap space to absorb that. “So it would depend on how Anaheim feels about that situation.”
Instead, the Oilers may want someone willing to take on a depth role for their bottom six.
“I’ve also heard that the Oilers are looking for a player who would be more accepting of the role that Mangiapane was leaning toward – more of a bottom-six role that wouldn’t necessarily get the opportunity to play with Leon or Connor as much. Strome wouldn’t really fit that bill, so that’s what I heard there,” Friedman said.
Are the Toronto Maple Leafs an option for the oil companies?
Considering that GM Brad Treliving had Mangiapane in Calgary, there have been rumors that he would be looking at Mangiapane for the Toronto Maple Leafs. “Some people have suggested Toronto as a possibility – perhaps a Maccelli-like move – but I don’t think that’s realistic,” Friedman added.
I think they’ll find a landing spot for him. I just don’t know exactly where yet.
Next: Why Drastic Oilers’ line shift isn’t the answer yet
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