It could be a trade-filled summer for general manager Craig Conroy and the Calgary Flames.
Speculation surrounding Jacob Markstrom picked back up in the last week, with reports suggesting the 34-year-old isn’t interested in returning. It feels more likely than not that he will be moved prior to the 2024-25 season, and he may not be the only one.
Following two subpar seasons and set to enter the final year of his contract, many have wondered what the future holds for Andrew Mangiapane. While a trade involving the 28-year-old doesn’t feel as imminent, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period is reporting that teams have reached out to Conroy regarding his availability.
“The Devils are also looking to add a scoring winger to their lineup and some teams have been calling Calgary about forward Andrew Mangiapane, who is entering the final year of his contract,” Pagnotta wrote in a column published this morning.
Mangiapane had a breakout season in 2021-22, registering career highs with 35 goals and 55 points in 82 games. The impressive campaign earned him a three-year, $17.4 million extension from former Flames general manager Brad Treliving.
Since the breakout season, Mangiapane’s numbers have cooled off immensely. He managed just 14 goals and 40 points in 2023-24, and has only 31 goals and 83 points over his last 157 games. While that still serves as solid secondary scoring, it hasn’t lived up to the $5.8 million cap hit he holds.
Despite his more recent struggles, it does make sense that a team would be willing to take a chance on Mangiapane. While the 2021-22 season was his true breakout, he was quite good in the COVID-shortened 2020-21 campaign, scoring 18 goals in 56 games. On top of that offensive production, he is also regarded for his strong play in the defensive zone.
While it remains to be seen what the Flames will elect to do, Mangiapane feels like a player who could benefit from a change in scenery. That said, with the offence he has been able to provide in the past, it’s important Conroy doesn’t just give him away. If there isn’t a strong enough market for him this summer, he could be a player who the Flames hold onto and look to instead move closer to the 2025 trade deadline.
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