Recent developments have seen Edmonton Oilers forward Andrew Mangiapane, along with defenseman Alec Regula, successfully clear NHL waivers. According to reports from Sportsnet, Daily Faceoff, and Oilers Nation, both players went unclaimed by the other 31 teams in the league after being placed on waivers on March 1st. This procedural move allows the Oilers to now assign Mangiapane and Regula to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate.
The Implications of Clearing Waivers
The primary consequence of Andrew Mangiapane clearing waivers is the immediate financial flexibility it provides the Edmonton Oilers. By assigning his contract to the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors, the Oilers can bury a portion of his salary, creating crucial cap space. This is a significant development for an Oilers team that, like many contenders, operates close to the salary cap’s upper limit. The newfound space could be instrumental in facilitating other roster moves, whether that involves recalling different players from the AHL or providing the flexibility needed ahead of the NHL’s trade deadline.
For Mangiapane, the situation is undoubtedly a turning point in his season and career. Clearing waivers means he will report to the AHL, a demotion from the NHL level where he has been a regular for several seasons. This move often serves as a wake-up call for a player, providing an opportunity to reset and find their game in a different environment. The assignment allows him to receive significant ice time and work on aspects of his performance that may have led to the waiver placement. It also means his full salary is no longer guaranteed at the NHL level for the time he is in the minors, though he will still be paid a substantial portion of it. As reported by Oilers Nation, this move is expected to precede the recall of forwards Sam Gagner and Reid Schaefer, signaling an immediate shift in the team’s depth chart.
A Season of Diminishing Returns
Andrew Mangiapane’s placement on waivers follows a season of struggle that stands in stark contrast to his previous career highs. Once a celebrated top-six forward for the Calgary Flames, known for his relentless motor and scoring touch, his production has seen a notable decline since joining the Oilers. To fully grasp the context of this move, one must look at his performance trajectory.
Breakout Seasons: During his tenure with the Flames, Mangiapane established himself as a legitimate offensive threat, culminating in a career-high 35-goal season. This performance earned him a significant contract extension and solidified his reputation as a valuable, high-energy winger.
The Slump: Since that peak, his point totals have steadily decreased. A combination of factors, including potential shifts in linemates, deployment, and a possible dip in shooting percentage, have contributed to this downturn. His inability to consistently find the scoresheet for the Oilers this season ultimately made his contract a difficult one for the team to carry at the NHL level, given his output.
This decline is what made him a candidate for waivers. While his skill set is undeniable, the combination of his salary and current production level made it a calculated risk for the Oilers’ front office—a risk that ultimately paid off, as no other team was willing to claim his full contract.
The League-Wide Perspective
The fact that Mangiapane went unclaimed by all 31 other NHL teams is telling. It speaks less to a complete lack of interest and more to the financial realities of the modern, salary-cap-driven NHL. At this stage of the season, most teams are pressed tightly against the salary cap. Claiming Mangiapane would have required a team to take on the entirety of his remaining contract for this season and any subsequent years.
For many potential contenders, adding that salary without shedding any in return would be an impossibility. For rebuilding teams, while they may have the cap space, they might be hesitant to commit that money to a veteran player who may not align with their long-term competitive window. The timing of the waiver placement, so close to the trade deadline, also plays a role. Teams are finalizing their strategies, and an unexpected waiver claim can disrupt carefully laid plans. Therefore, the league-wide pass on Mangiapane is more a reflection of contractual and timing constraints than a definitive statement on his ability to contribute to an NHL roster in the future.
Oilers’ Roster and Strategic Reshuffling
This maneuver is a clear indication of the Oilers’ strategic priorities as they gear up for what they hope will be a deep playoff run. The roster spots and cap space opened up by Mangiapane and Regula’s assignment are not likely to remain vacant for long. According to Oilers Nation, the team is expected to recall veteran forward Sam Gagner and prospect Reid Schaefer.
This swap provides insight into the coaching staff’s current thinking. Gagner offers a veteran presence and versatility, capable of playing in various positions throughout the lineup and contributing on the power play. His recall suggests a desire for a reliable, known commodity in the bottom-six forward group. Schaefer, a former first-round pick, represents an injection of youth and tenacity. His recall would give the organization a valuable opportunity to assess his NHL readiness and see how his high-energy, physical style of play translates at the highest level. This strategic reshuffling allows the Oilers to audition different looks and combinations in their forward group, seeking the optimal mix of skill, grit, and experience before the postseason begins. It’s a calculated adjustment aimed at maximizing depth and finding the right formula for playoff success.
FAQ
Why was Andrew Mangiapane placed on waivers?
Andrew Mangiapane was placed on waivers due to a combination of his declining offensive production this season and his salary cap hit. This procedural move allows the Edmonton Oilers to assign him to the AHL, creating financial flexibility.
What happens now that he has cleared waivers?
Having cleared waivers, the Oilers can now send Andrew Mangiapane to their AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors. He will continue to be paid under his current contract while playing in the minors.
Did any other team try to claim him?
No, all 31 other NHL teams passed on the opportunity to claim Andrew Mangiapane. This means no team was willing or able to take on his full contract at this time.
With this roster move, have the Oilers sufficiently addressed their depth issues for a legitimate Stanley Cup push, or is this just rearranging deck chairs? Sound off in the comments below.
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