How Oilers stole top free agent forward Andrew Mangiapane from the Maple Leafs

On Tuesday, opening day of Free Agency in the NHL, the Edmonton Oilers signed unrestricted free agent left winger Andrew Mangiapane to a two-year contract that carries a $3.6-million average annual value.

A Toronto native, Mangiapane was almost expected to agree to a deal with the Maple Leafs, who since losing Mitch Marner to a sign and trade with the Vegas Golden Knights, are seeking a significant boost up front.

However, the Oilers got the best offer in for Mangiapane, but according to

Chris Johnston on TSN’s Overdrive, it’s not because the Maple Leafs did not try to land him:

“They [TOR] definitely had interest, you know, and there were some teams yesterday, I know, that thought he was actually going to TOR. But you know, ultimately, obviously, EDM managed to land him.”

It is also believed that Mangiapane himself was too keen on playing for the Maple Leafs, apparently having “some concern he had about playing in this market as a local.”

It was reported, once Mangiapane has signed with the Oilers, that the Maple Leafs and general manager Brad Treliving will survey the trade market to try and find a bona fide top-six forward. At this time with the market as it is, there is a feeling that Treliving might have to wait until the regular season to address that issue.

I’m guessing losing Mangiapane to a Canadian rival is tough to swallow for the Maple Leafs. Something needs to happen for Toronto to get a significant boost up front, especially if their targeted free agents sign with the competition.