The Edmonton Oilers made a critical administrative move that shows the team has officially given up on Andrew Mangiapane.
The team on Sunday placed the 29-year-old on waivers. The purpose of this move is, more than anything, clearing a roster spot and finding some cap relief.
Mangiapane has been the subject of Oilers rumors for the better part of this season. His disappointing seven goals and 14 points in 52 games have made this offseason signing a major bust for Edmonton.
The club has been trying actively to trade Mangiapane, even with the Toronto native willing to waive his no-trade clause to make a deal work. However, it seems that no takers have emerged.
Some reports suggested that the Oilers had a 1-for-1 deal with the Maple Leafs involving Mangiapane and Matias Maccelli. Unfortunately for Edmonton, the Leafs balked at the trade.
Now, it seems the only recourse is to waive the former sixth-round pick of the 2015 NHL Draft. If he clears, and there’s every belief that he will, the Oilers will get about $1.1 million in cap relief and a roster spot open for further additions.
It’s highly unlikely anyone claims him. Nevertheless, there might be a team out there willing to do the Oilers a solid and take Mangapiane off their hands.
What’s Next for Mangiapane?
Assuming he clears, Mangiapane will likely report to the Oilers’ AHL affiliate. Unless the two sides have an agreement in which Mangiapane doesn’t have to report, the Edmonton winger will need to at least show up in Bakersfield.
At that point, it will be up to the Bakersfield Condors if Mangiapane plays or not.
It’s also worth pointing out that this move could be an administrative issue. As such, Mangiapane could be sent down, but remain with the main club awaiting a trade. It’s likely that the Oilers didn’t healthy scratch him, as has happened with other players on other teams, because Edmonton wants the cap space and the roster spot.
Could Another Help the Oilers Out?
That’s something the Oilers would love. If another club went ahead and claimed Mangiapane off waivers, GM Stan Bowman would send that team a gift basket every Christmas.
While no other clubs may want to claim Mangiapane outright, there might be a team, like the LA Kings, who have dealt with several injuries at this point in the season. The move may be out of desperation, but it could help the Oilers find a home for Mangiapane without having go through the rigors of a trade.
It’s also worth pointing out that there may be a contract termination component to this move. Thus far, there has been no indication that’s the case. But Oilers and Mangiapane may work out a deal in which his contract ends. Doing so would allow him to sign with another club before the March 6 NHL trade deadline.
Such a move would cut it close, but it could work. Mangiapane’s camp has had a few weeks to test the market. A few weeks ago, the Oilers granted permission for his agent to speak to other teams. So, who knows, there might be a deal out there after all.