The Boston Bruins could soon reignite interest in a former free agent target. After a fairly fast start to the 2025-26 season, Boston has cooled off in recent weeks. In fact, the Bruins would now be on the outside looking in if the playoffs began on January 1. Because of this, the team will likely need to add to the roster if they want to qualify for the postseason.
One relatively straightforward deal that Boston could make is to trade for Andrew Mangiapane. The veteran forward previously signed with the Edmonton Oilers ahead of the current campaign in a two-year, $7.2 million contract. According to the Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta, the Bruins were interested in signing Mangiapane in the summer.
Although the winger previously spurned Boston to join Edmonton, the winger looks set for yet another move. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman recently revealed that the Oilers are likely open to trading Mangiapane to make room on their roster. Following the claim, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch benched the veteran forward for a game against the Winnipeg Jets.
Now, Yahoo Sports is reporting that Boston would become a great fit for Mangiapane if he were to leave his current club. Interestingly enough, the Bruins faced the Oilers on December 31. Mangiapane was not only back in the lineup for the game, but Knoblauch even promoted him to the second line. The move, however, did not exactly work out. The forward posted a TOI of just 7:31 after receiving 12 penalty minutes.
Boston Bruins Able to Give Andrew Mangiapane More Ice Time
GettyAndrew Mangiapane looks set to leave the Edmonton Oilers after just a few months.
It is safe to say that Mangiapane has not exactly worked out in Edmonton. After all, he has just 11 points in 40 games with the team, as well as a team-worst -17 rating. Nevertheless, a change of scenery could help the winger get back to his full potential. Mangiapane previously racked up 138 total points in his last three seasons with the Calgary Flames.
If Boston can make a deal with Edmonton, it would represent a fairly low-risk option. Mangiapane is signed through the 2026-27 season and carries an AAV of just $3.6 million. Assuming he can even get close to the player he has shown to be in recent years, the salary hit would be well worth it for the Bruins.
The feisty forward’s statistics would also likely benefit from more ice time. Mangiapane is averaging just over 13 minutes per game with the Oilers in 2025-26. He, however, previously excelled in Calgary while averaging closer to 16 minutes in TOI. Boston would be able to offer the veteran more minutes than Edmonton.
Mangiapane Likely to Waive Trade Clause to Leave Current Club
The Bruins, however, will not be the only club to be interested in Mangiapane ahead of the trade deadline. Teams such as the Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres would be logical suitors as well. Boston’s chances of landing the veteran may ultimately come down to whether or not they look likely to make the playoffs.
Mangiapane told reporters on December 31 that he was not exactly sure about his future with the Oilers. Although the comment keeps the door out of Edmonton wide open, he does have a no-trade clause in his current contract. Despite this, the veteran is expected to waive the stipulation to get more playing time and feature on a contender.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Bruins Expected to Reignite Interest in Star on Trade Block appeared first on Heavy Sports.