Andrew Mangiapane is drawing into the
Edmonton Oilers lineup
tonight, replacing Curtis Lazar.
And if you’re an Oilers fan reading that sentence, you’re probably groaning. If you’re a player in that locker room, you might be doing the same.
This is a begrudging pill to swallow.
Lazar’s been playing well. He’s embraced the fourth-line minutes, the checking role, the overlooked work that doesn’t show up on the score sheet. He appreciates it because it’s still the NHL. He brings energy, he wins faceoffs, he kills penalties, and he does it all without complaint. That’s the kind of player teams value, especially in a depth role.
Mangiapane, on the other hand, has been more centred around
trade talks than lineup rotations. He wants out of Edmonton. He’s been a healthy scratch for the last little bit. And now, he’s getting another chance while a guy who’s actually contributing gets sent to the press box.
It’s frustrating. For fans, sure. But also for the players.
Guys don’t want to work with players who want out. And honestly, can you blame them? Hockey’s a team sport. Chemistry matters. Trust matters. When someone’s mentally checked out, when they’re more focused on getting traded than helping the team win, it affects the dynamic. Players notice. They talk. And they’re not thrilled about it.
But here’s the reality: Mangiapane has been sitting for a long time. Too long. Sooner or later, Kris Knoblauch has to play him and keep his legs somewhat fresh. If the Oilers are trying to trade him — and they almost certainly are — they can’t let him rot in the press box for months.
So Knoblauch’s stuck. He doesn’t want to scratch Lazar, who’s earned his spot. But he also can’t let Mangiapane collect dust. The solution? Rotate them. Give Mangiapane a game here and there to keep him warm, keep him somewhat game-ready, and hope a trade materializes before this becomes a bigger problem.
Does this mean Mangiapane is taking a roster spot long-term? No. It just means the Oilers are keeping him functional by throwing him in the lineup against easier teams like the Leafs. They’re managing an awkward situation the best they can while trying to find a trade partner willing to take on a player who’s openly disengaged.
But that doesn’t make it easier to watch. Lazar’s done everything right, and he’s the one sitting. Mangiapane’s done the opposite, and he’s getting another chance. It’s not fair, but it’s the business side of hockey. Sometimes roster decisions aren’t about who deserves it — they’re about asset management.
The Oilers need to keep Mangiapane somewhat ready so they can move him at or ahead of the deadline. That’s the calculation. It’s not about rewarding him or punishing Lazar. It’s about making sure Mangiapane doesn’t lose all trade value by becoming completely inactive.
Still, it stings. Lazar’s been a professional. Mangiapane hasn’t. And yet, Lazar’s the one watching from the press box tonight.
That’s the unfortunate reality. The Oilers are stuck managing a player who doesn’t want to be here while trying to keep a functional lineup intact. Knoblauch’s doing what he has to do, even if nobody likes it.
RNH – McDavid – Hyman
Podkolzin – Draisaitl – Kapanen
Savoie – Samanski – Roslovic
Janmark – Mangiapane – Frederic
Ekholm – Bouchard
Nurse – Walman
Stastney – Emberson
Ingram
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