Andrew Mangiapane is just days away from playing at the Saddledome for the first time since being traded by the Calgary Flames.
Mangiapane was one of several veterans the Flames have traded over the last year, as they made the decision to enter more of a retooling stage. The decision to part ways seems to be benefiting both parties.
The Washington Capitals chose to make a move for Mangiapane, sending the Flames a 2025 second-round pick for the former 35-goal scorer. Fans in Calgary had mixed reactions in regards to the return.
Some felt it was more than reasonable, as the 28-year-old – known in Calgary as bread man – had regressed in each of his past two seasons following a breakout season in 2021-22. Others, however, were sad to see one of the team’s longest-tenured players head out the door.
“I am forever grateful for the opportunity the Flames organization has given me since 2015 and for all the special people that I have in my life because of it,” Mangiapane wrote on Instagram days after the trade. “Thank you for all your endless support, C of Red.”
Thanks to the trade, Mangiapane is now part of a true Stanley Cup contender. Despite not having the highest of expectations entering the season, the Capitals currently sit first in NHL standings with a record of 33-10-5.
Since joining the Caps, Mangiapane has bounced around the lineup. He’s spent some time in a top-six role, but more recently has been deployed on the fourth line alongside Nic Dowd and Brandon Duhaime.
His numbers don’t jump out, but he’s provided some solid secondary scoring with 10 goals and 17 points points through 47 games. A couple of those have been highlight-light reel calibre.
MANGIAPANE, MY GOODNESS 😱 pic.twitter.com/BGDNMGf83j
— NHL (@NHL) December 18, 2024
Mangiapane, who signed a three-year, $17.4 million deal with the Flames following his impressive 2021-22 campaign, is set to become an unrestricted free agent this coming offseason.
His 35-goal season always appeared to be a bit of a mirage, given that he had a ridiculously high 18.9% shooting percentage. That said, he has continued to be a solid two-way player, which should garner him interest from several teams should he hit the free-agent market this summer.
Prior to being traded, Mangiapane spent parts of seven seasons with the Flames, during which time he managed 119 goals and 232 points in 464 games. He’s a bit of a diamond in the rough, as he wasn’t taken until the sixth round (166th overall) of the 2015 draft. Fans should expect to see a nice tribute video and reception for the 28-year-old on Tuesday.
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