Jets showed interest in Andrew Mangiapane before Oilers deal

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As we enter the “desert” of the NHL offseason, a bit of stories surfaced involving the Winnipeg Jets and free agent ahead Andrew Mangiapane. Earlier than in the end signing with the Edmonton Oilers, it seems the Jets had some curiosity in bringing the 29-year-old to Winnipeg.

The Winnipeg Jets reportedly had curiosity in ahead Andrew Mangiapane earlier than he signed with the Edmonton Oilers. Per, Ken Wiebe.#NHLJets #GoJetsGo

— JetsNation (@NHLJetsNation) July 16, 2025

Truthfully, this shouldn’t come as a shock — a number of groups had Mangiapane on their radar after marketing campaign with the Washington Capitals. In 81 video games final season, he tallied 14 targets and 14 assists for 28 factors, plus two factors in 10 playoff video games.

These numbers gained’t soar off the web page, however he performed a key depth position on a really sturdy Capitals group that completed second within the league with 111 factors — solely 5 behind our very personal Jets, who led the NHL with 116. Mangiapane was bodily, introduced power, and even noticed a while within the high six.

His greatest offensive season got here again in 2021-22 with the Calgary Flames, when he racked up 35 targets and 55 factors. Since then, his scoring has dipped, however the skill to hit 30 targets once more continues to be there — it simply relies upon who he’s enjoying with. In Edmonton, if he will get constant time with Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl, anticipate his numbers to spike. However based mostly on latest seasons, he’s probably settling into extra of a reliable middle-six position — and that’s completely nice. No person’s anticipating him to be a celebrity.

From the Jets’ perspective, even after the addition of Gustav Nyquist, there’s nonetheless a gap to fill with Nikolaj Ehlers now in Carolina. Had Mangiapane signed with Winnipeg, he might’ve slotted right into a second-line position alongside Cole Perfetti and Vladislav Namestnikov — if that’s the path the Jets wished to go.

That stated, it does increase the query of the place precisely he would match. If Winnipeg desires to present Brad Lambert and Nikita Chibrikov extra NHL reps this season, including a veteran like Mangiapane might’ve difficult issues. Perhaps he finally ends up on the third line, bumping somebody like Nino Niederreiter across the lineup.

All in all, it wouldn’t have been a foul signing by any means. Mangiapane would’ve introduced depth, expertise, and a few offensive upside. However given the place the Jets are headed — and their obvious dedication to giving younger expertise a shot — it’s comprehensible why issues didn’t transfer ahead.

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