The ongoing saga involving the Edmonton Oilers and forward Andrew Mangiapane has taken up a good chunk of media attention. Ever since Mangiapane’s trade request became public, the attention has focused on where the 29-year-old could land.
Now, the Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta has revealed a list of three potential trade destinations for the Toronto native.
In a January 5 piece, Pagnotta name-dropped three teams that have inquired about the Oilers forward’s availability.
He wrote:
“The Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings and Winnipeg Jets are just three of the teams the Oilers are believed to have spoken to about Mangiapane’s availability.”
The comments do not preclude other teams from inquiring about Mangiapane. Nevertheless, it seems teams seeking depth scoring amid dry spells have spoken to the Oilers about Mangiapane.
In particular, the Winnipeg Jets could be looking to make a splash. The club is mired in last place overall and riding a nine-game losing streak. As such, the Jets could be the most eager to partner with the Oilers in a Mangiapane trade.
While the Jets don’t have many assets to trade, the two sides might work something out. The Jets have forward Brad Lambert and defenseman Ville Heinola as potential trade chips to use this season.
Red Wings Could Be Interesting Destination for Mangiapane
The Detroit Red Wings have to be the most interesting destination for the Oilers’ forward. The Wings are in first place in the Atlantic Division and looking to return to the postseason in nearly a decade. As such, Detroit GM Steve Yzerman could be trying to upgrade in any way he can.
With limited options potentially available at the trade deadline, Yzerman may be serious about Mangipane. Of course, nothing is imminent at this point. But that doesn’t mean the Oilers wouldn’t be eager to remove the relative distraction that the Mangiapane situation has become.
As for the Anaheim Ducks, the club has fallen into a death spiral after a hot start. The Ducks emerged as this season’s Cinderella club. However, a six-game losing streak has them crashing back down to Earth.
While the Ducks remain in a wild card spot at the moment, the club will be looking to get back into the thick of the playoff race. As such, a deal with the Oilers involving Mangiapane could provide so much-needed depth scoring.
Oilers Want Two-Way Forward Back
Pagnotta made it clear what sort of player the Oilers would like to get back for Mangiapane. He wrote:
“Oilers GM Stan Bowman has been fishing for a trade partner and is hoping to bring in a two-way type of forward in a deal.”
That sort of expectation could make it tough for the Oilers to pull off a trade. Two-way forwards aren’t readily available in the market. As such, Edmonton may have to taper its expectations or pivot to another type of player.
In addition to depth scoring and defensive forwards, the Oilers could also use some depth on the blue line. It remains unclear whether Edmonton will settle or push to get the deal it wants.
Oilers Mangiapane Trade Destinations Revealed by Insider