NHL

NHL News: Oilers add Alex Ovechkin’s former Capitals forward to bolster Connor McDavid’s supporting cast

The Edmonton Oilers have signed a former Washington Capitals forward who played 81 games last season alongside Alex Ovechkin, adding playoff-tested depth to strengthen Connor McDavid’s supporting cast in their Stanley Cup quest.

Connor McDavid's Edmonton Oilers have added another experienced forward to support their championship aspirations.
© Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty ImagesConnor McDavid's Edmonton Oilers have added another experienced forward to support their championship aspirations.

The Edmonton Oilers continue to reshape their roster following back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances, this time turning to a former teammate of Alex Ovechkin with playoff pedigree and international success. On Tuesday, the team announced the signing of Andrew Mangiapane, who spent last season with the Washington Capitals, agreeing to a two-year contract with a $3.6 million AAV. The move further deepens Edmonton’s offensive group as they aim to reinforce Connor McDavid’s supporting cast and return to contention next spring.

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Mangiapane, 28, split last season with the Alex Ovechkin’s Capitals, appearing in 81 regular-season games and contributing 14 goals and 14 assists. He added two points in 10 playoff games, bringing physicality and versatility to the bottom six—a key area the Oilers have targeted for improvement.

Known for his energetic playing style and two-way responsibility, Mangiapane arrives at a pivotal moment for a team looking to convert its recent success into championship hardware.

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The move also highlights the Oilers’ strategic effort to surround Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl with high-effort players capable of elevating the team in high-stakes matchups. Edmonton has made it clear it is focused on immediate results, and Mangiapane fits the mold of a reliable, battle-tested contributor.

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Mangiapane brings proven production and championship experience

Before joining the Capitals, Mangiapane spent parts of seven seasons with the Calgary Flames, where he developed into a consistent scoring threat. His breakout year came in 2021–22, when he tallied a career-high 35 goals and 55 points in 82 games, showcasing his ability to finish and thrive in top-six roles.

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Through 498 NHL games across his career, Mangiapane has recorded 243 points (123 goals, 120 assists) and logged 37 playoff appearances, adding 14 points in the postseason.

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Internationally, he made headlines in 2021 when he led Team Canada to gold at the IIHF World Championship, finishing the tournament with 11 points in 7 games and earning MVP honors. His play during that stretch earned wide recognition and underscored his ability to step up under pressure.

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A tactical addition to Edmonton’s playoff ambitions

Mangiapane’s $3.6M cap hit offers reasonable value for a player with top-six potential and penalty-kill versatility. For the Oilers, who fell short to the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final in consecutive seasons, every move this summer carries weight. Edmonton is well aware that its championship window is open now—and adding proven NHL contributors like Mangiapane signals an unrelenting push to break through.

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