The Detroit Red Wings could be set to make a move to help boost their Atlantic Division chances. Despite being a younger NHL team, Detroit has shocked many around the league by hovering near the top of the division in recent weeks. The club previously missed the playoffs in 2024-25 after finishing sixth in the standings.
While the Red Wings have impressed so far this season, they do need some reinforcements ahead of the trade deadline. In fact, Detroit is currently middle of the pack in goals for and goals against on the campaign. Bringing in a quality defenseman is perhaps the team’s biggest area of need at the moment. Nevertheless, Detroit brass will also likely pursue another forward as well.
According to The Fourth Period, the Red Wings are among the teams talking with the Edmonton Oilers regarding veteran Andrew Mangiapane. The forward previously signed a two-year, $7.2 million contract with the reigning Western Conference champions ahead of the season. The move, however, has not worked out, and he is now likely to be traded by the Oilers.
Edmonton head coach Kris Knoblauch recently attempted to showcase Mangiapane by putting him on the second line alongside superstar Leon Draisaitl on December 31. Nevertheless, the veteran only managed to play a total of 7:31 in the game after receiving 12 penalty minutes.
Red Wings Should Have Edge in Andrew Mangiapane Trade Talks
GettyAndrew Mangiapane needs a change of scenery after signing with the Edmonton Oilers.
The aforementioned report goes on to claim that the Anaheim Ducks and the Winnipeg Jets have also spoken to the Oilers about Mangiapane. While the news could signify a potential bidding war, the Red Wings should have the upper hand in negotiations. The forward is not only open to leaving Edmonton, but he would prefer to move to a contender. Anaheim and Winnipeg look increasingly unlikely to make the upcoming playoffs.
On top of this, Detroit has plenty of cap space to work with. Although Mangiapane’s AAV is fairly modest, the Red Wings have the second-most current cap space in the league at the moment, according to PuckPedia.com. Even if Detroit targets the forward, they would still have money leftover to address other areas.
Mangiapane, despite the down year, would bring a veteran presence to the Red Wings. According to Hockey Reference, Detroit has the 11th-youngest roster in the league. The forward has played over 500 career NHL games, as well as 37 matchups in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Red Wings Will Look to a Similar Recent Trade Involving Veteran Forward
Mangiapane has posted just 11 points in 40 games for the Oilers this season. His subpar play has even made Knoblauch make the veteran a healthy scratch twice in recent days. Nevertheless, the forward would certainly benefit from a change of scenery. Fellow veteran Mason Marchment experienced this following his move to the Columbus Blue Jackets from the Seattle Kraken.
Much like Mangiapane in Edmonton, Marchment was a bad fit in Seattle. As a result, the fellow veteran forward was recently shipped off to Columbus via trade. Although Marchment previously struggled, he is thriving in Ohio. In fact, Marchment has seven points in as many games with his new team. Detroit could be hoping for a similar experience with Mangiapane.
Red Wings in Trade Talks to Acquire Veteran Forward