Andrew Mangiapane had not scored a goal for quite some time. His most recent game before the drought was on November 3 against Nashville, and it wasn’t until a Saturday matchup against Minnesota, after 21 games and 47 days, that he finally broke the dry spell by tapping in a shot from Evan Bouchard at 13:35 of the first period.
Despite the lack of goals, Mangiapane’s presence on the ice is unmistakable. He’s constantly in motion, forechecking aggressively, and making himself a persistent challenge for opponents. His impact might be subtle and gradual, but it’s significant.
When Edmonton signed Mangiapane in the offseason, they weren’t expecting a repeat of his standout 2021-22 season with Calgary, where he netted 35 goals and 55 points. That year was widely seen as an outlier, boosted by ideal linemates and power-play minutes. Calgary was aware of this, which is why they traded him to Washington for a second-round pick.
Edmonton’s goal was clear: Mangiapane was brought in not just to score, but to disrupt opposing defenses with relentless forechecking and pressure. They wanted a player who never eased up, who constantly challenged defenders and didn’t allow them to play comfortably.
At first, Mangiapane seemed like a depth player who might not make a big impact. His stats—five goals and twelve points in 36 games—hadn’t moved the needle much. But as the season progressed, especially on Montreal’s road trip, he began showing more consistency and becoming an uncomfortable presence for opposing defenders. He was always around for loose pucks and actively pressing opponents.
Mangiapane described himself as a tenacious forward focused on forechecking and creating turnovers to generate scoring opportunities. Over time, he started living up to that description in Edmonton. Despite being shuffled around the lines and generally given less ice time—averaging 11 minutes and 37 seconds compared to the 14-15 minutes he had in Calgary and Washington—he remained undeterred and continued to work hard.
The 21-game scoreless stretch was tough, but Mangiapane stayed focused. On that Saturday in Minnesota, his hard work paid off as he successfully redirected a shot from Bouchard, putting Edmonton back in the game. Although the Oilers eventually lost 5-2, McDavid’s later goal and Mangiapane’s contribution gave the team some momentum and validated his recent efforts.
Mangiapane’s role has evolved into that of a relentless third-line winger who excels in forechecking, shows up for every loose puck, and occasionally scores when the opportunity arises. He doesn’t gripe about ice time or get discouraged when he doesn’t find the net, continually putting in the effort.
While Saturday’s goal ended his drought, it’s his recent steady play that is more encouraging. Edmonton signed him not to replicate a career year, but to be a depth forward who brings consistent energy and pressure, and that’s exactly what he’s delivering.
In short, Mangiapane’s journey hasn’t been easy or seamless, but he understands his role and is fulfilling it. For a team in need of a hardworking depth player who can provide unrelenting energy and presence, Mangiapane is proving to be a valuable asset.
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Fan Take: Mangiapane’s transformation from a goal drought to a vital, energetic forechecker highlights the importance of grit and adaptability in hockey. His work ethic and persistence offer a blueprint for players aiming to carve out meaningful roles beyond just scoring, showing that contribution to the team comes in many forms.
