Andrew Mangiapane was very honest about his experience with coach Kris Knoblauch after he suddenly left the Edmonton Oilers.
The experienced player is now officially with the Chicago Blackhawks after a very public breakup. It’s clear that he wanted this fresh start behind the scenes.
When he spoke to the Chicago media for the first time on Friday, he made his thoughts about northern Alberta very clear.
“It was a bit hard over there in Edmonton. I’m glad to move on and have a fresh start with a good team here. ”
That last comment is a direct shot at the Oilers’ management. By calling his new team a “good organization,” he clearly shows how he feels about his old team.
His scoring abilities disappeared during his tough time wearing blue and orange. The time he spent on the ice was often unpredictable because the roster had many star players dominating play.
Mangiapane moves from watching games from the press box to being in the top six lineup.
Chicago presents a completely different situation with much less pressure. The team is currently rebuilding and really needs experienced players on the wings to support their younger talent.
Only getting 14 points in 52 games this season is a big drop from what he usually scores. He often found himself not playing at all or stuck on the fourth line.
Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill will probably use him right away on the second line. He should get a lot of playing time and a regular spot on the second power play unit.
Edmonton depends a lot on a few stars controlling the puck. Mangiapane never found a good connection or flow in that heavily loaded offense.
Andrew Mangiapane on joining the Blackhawks: “It was a little tough sledding there in Edmonton. I’m happy to get out and have a nice restart and be with a good organization here.”
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) March 6, 2026
He has more than 450 games of NHL experience to share with a very inexperienced group in the Chicago locker room. That kind of experienced player is just what general manager Kyle Davidson is looking for to help his younger players.
The Oilers are getting rid of a $3.1 million space in their salary cap that they can use before the upcoming trade deadline. They are letting go of a forward who was unhappy and had been outspoken about wanting a different position.
Mangiapane is getting the fresh start he really wanted as the season moves into its last part. Now he has the challenge of showing that his recent lack of goals was just because he wasn’t used properly.
You can be sure he has the next game against the Oilers marked on his calendar. Those games for revenge always bring a higher level of excitement.
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