Why hasn’t Andrew Mangiapane done well in Edmonton? He is a talented player with a great chance, but somehow it just isn’t working out.
When Andrew Mangiapane joined the Edmonton Oilers, I thought he was a smart addition. He wasn’t the main star in Calgary, but he put in the effort, helped out, and didn’t need everything to be perfect to be effective. These are the kinds of players who usually fit in easily.
But looking back now, things just haven’t come together. Not for him, not for the coaches, and definitely not for the lower lines he was meant to strengthen. And every time I see him play lately, I wonder: why isn’t he connecting?
In Mangiapane’s First Few Games, He Looked Good
If you think about his first few games, he actually seemed pretty strong—quick with the puck, hustling, and doing the basic things well. But then mistakes started to happen, and before long, he was being benched. One bad moment leads to another, and soon a player like Mangiapane starts to overthink things. That’s a tough situation for anyone, especially someone trying to impress a new team.
Elliotte Friedman talked about this recently, and he was right. The Oilers are still trying to figure out their lower lines. They are looking for players who can fit into those spots, really feel at home, understand their role, and stay calm when things don’t go as planned. The truth is that in Edmonton, they are still adjusting, still fixing problems, still hoping someone will fit in well.
Pierre LeBrun has reported that the Edmonton Oilers are still looking to trade Andrew Mangiapane.
Mangiapane and an Oilers’ Bottom Six that Doesn’t Work
This is where Mangiapane finds himself in a tough position. He can play well, he puts in the effort, and he isn’t scared to get into rough situations. However, nothing matters if he’s constantly worried about getting benched. If a player sits out too often, they lose confidence in their game. Instead of playing freely, they focus on not making mistakes. Very few players can succeed in that kind of atmosphere, and even fewer can truly shine.
I honestly can’t tell if this is a problem with Mangiapane or the Oilers. It could be both. Maybe it’s just one of those uncomfortable situations that never really works out, even if it seems like it should.
But here’s the deal: the Oilers really need someone like him to succeed. They can’t have a group of players in the lower spots that keeps changing every other game. At some point, they need players who stand out—not just fit in.
Can Mangiapane Develop into a Helpful Player in Edmonton?
If Edmonton can keep things stable and give him a chance to grow into his role, I believe he still has potential. A valuable one. But time is running out. If this isn’t resolved soon, it’s hard to imagine a good outcome for both sides.
And that’s the Oilers’ puzzle right now: a talented player with a great chance… but something feels off. I’m still trying to figure out what that is.
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