On a busy Thursday night in the NHL, the Washington Capitals made a significant addition to their roster by acquiring forward Andrew Mangiapane from the Calgary Flames. In exchange, the Flames received a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. This draft pick, which originally belonged to the Colorado Avalanche, found its way into Washington's hands through a previous trade that involved center Lars Eller.
This deal brings a seasoned player to Washington, as Mangiapane, a 28-year-old forward, is set to enter his eighth NHL season. With a $5.8 million cap hit, Mangiapane is in the final year of his current contract, creating both a win-now urgency and flexibility for the future.
A Seasoned Scorer
Mangiapane joins the Capitals with a respectable record from his time with the Calgary Flames. Last season alone, he played in 75 games, scoring 14 goals and 26 assists for a total of 40 points. His career peak came in the 2021-22 season when he netted 35 goals and contributed 55 points, marking career highs in both categories.
Over his 417-game career with the Flames, Mangiapane accumulated 109 goals and 106 assists, hitting a total of 215 points. His arrival is expected to bring a much-needed offensive boost to Washington, a team that struggled last season with a 28th ranking in goals-per-game average, netting just 2.63.
Complementing the Capitals’ Core
The Capitals' General Manager, Brian MacLellan, has been proactive this offseason. Prior to securing Mangiapane, MacLellan made another bold move by acquiring center Pierre Luc-Dubois from the Los Angeles Kings. This deal saw the departure of goalie Darcy Kuemper, adjusting the Capitals' dynamics and focus.
Mangiapane is known for his playmaking abilities, something that will be crucial for the Capitals given the recent injuries to key players such as center Nicklas Backstrom and winger T.J. Oshie. His inclusion in the roster promises to provide the necessary depth and skill to balance the team's performance.
Eyeing the Playoffs and Records
Coming off a year where the Capitals made it to the playoffs, the team looks to build on its successes while addressing its weaknesses. The integration of Mangiapane and Luc-Dubois is expected to complement the existing stars, including captain Alex Ovechkin, who is chasing history by being just 42 goals shy of breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL career goals record.
Mangiapane's ability to find the net and create opportunities for his teammates aligns well with Washington's strategy. His presence on the ice will likely change the dynamics in favor of the Capitals, providing them with additional strategies and options during critical game moments.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Mangiapane integrates into the team and whether his playmaking skills can elevate the Capitals' offensive production, pushing them further into contention.
In a league where every roster move and trade can significantly impact a team's trajectory, the addition of Mangiapane could prove to be one of the pivotal decisions for the Capitals this season. The Washington fanbase, while hopeful, will be keenly watching each game to see how this trade pans out on the ice.