Quick Read
- Andrew Mangiapane was placed on NHL waivers by the Edmonton Oilers on March 1, 2026.
- He signed a two-year, $3.6 million AAV contract last summer but recorded only 7 goals and 14 points in 52 games this season.
- The move aims to create salary cap flexibility for the Oilers ahead of the March 6 trade deadline.
- If unclaimed, Mangiapane’s reassignment to the AHL could free up approximately $1.1 million in cap space.
- This decision is crucial for the Oilers, who are in the Western Conference playoff race and seeking roster upgrades.
EDMONTON (Azat TV) – The Edmonton Oilers officially placed left winger Andrew Mangiapane on NHL waivers on Sunday, March 1, 2026, a significant move that signals a potential shift in the team’s strategy and roster composition. This decision comes as Mangiapane has struggled to find his offensive stride in Edmonton and is crucial for the Oilers as they seek to create salary cap flexibility ahead of the imminent March 6 trade deadline.
Mangiapane, 29, joined the Oilers last summer on a two-year contract worth $3.6 million annually, with the expectation that he would bolster the team’s bottom-six forward group with his offensive capabilities. However, his performance has fallen short of those hopes, as he has tallied just seven goals and 14 points in 52 games this season. These figures represent some of the worst offensive numbers in his nine-year NHL career, a stark contrast to the 14 goals and 28 points he recorded in 81 games while playing primarily on the Washington Capitals’ third and fourth lines last season. Furthermore, Mangiapane has posted a career-worst plus/minus rating of -19 this season, and the Oilers have been outscored 38-21 with him on the ice, a team-worst -17 mark, according to OilersNation.
Waivers Pave Way for Oilers’ Trade Deadline Strategy
The decision to place Mangiapane on waivers, along with defenseman Alec Regula, is a strategic maneuver by the Oilers to gain financial flexibility. If Mangiapane goes unclaimed by another NHL team, the Oilers can reassign him to their AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, which would free up approximately $1.1 million in cap space. Should Regula also clear waivers, an additional $663,334 would become available, totaling over $1.8 million in potential cap relief for the Oilers.
This cap space is vital for Edmonton, which is actively seeking to make roster upgrades before the March 6 trade deadline. Reports suggest the team is focused on acquiring defensive help, particularly a right-side capable defenseman, or a third-line center. As noted by The Hockey News, the Oilers could also be aiming to maximize cap space to facilitate a move involving Mattias Janmark, potentially by recalling prospects Josh Samanski and Isaac Howard to ‘capture’ their bonuses in an LTIR (Long-Term Injured Reserve) capture scenario.
Mangiapane’s Struggles and Contract Impact
Mangiapane’s name had been circulating in trade rumors since the Christmas break, reflecting his difficulty in adapting to the Oilers’ system. His significant cap hit, combined with his declining production, made him a challenging asset to move via trade without attaching additional draft picks or prospects. Sports Yahoo! highlighted that the Oilers’ entire trade deadline strategy might hinge on clearing Mangiapane’s salary, potentially requiring them to sweeten a deal to facilitate his departure.
For Mangiapane, being placed on waivers means his immediate future with the Oilers is uncertain. While he remains a professional player, the move opens the door for other NHL teams to claim him for his current contract, or for him to be assigned to the minor leagues if unclaimed. This development underscores the high stakes of professional hockey, where contract value and on-ice performance constantly shape a player’s trajectory.
Oilers Navigate Critical Playoff Race
The Oilers, currently sitting third in the Pacific Division with 66 points, are in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race. Recent disappointing losses to the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks, going 1-2 out of the Olympic break, have underscored the team’s need for consistent performance and strategic adjustments. Every roster decision carries significant weight for General Manager Ken Holland and the Oilers organization as they push for a strong finish to the season.
The decision to place Andrew Mangiapane on waivers represents a calculated risk and a necessary strategic adjustment by the Edmonton Oilers, prioritizing salary cap flexibility and potential roster upgrades over maintaining a struggling asset, all with the critical March 6 trade deadline just days away.