On a bustling Thursday night, the Washington Capitals made headlines by acquiring forward Andrew Mangiapane from the Calgary Flames. The Flames received a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL draft in exchange for Mangiapane. Interestingly, this pick was originally owned by the Colorado Avalanche, before changing hands in a trade that saw center Lars Eller moving out of Washington.
Andrew Mangiapane brings a wealth of experience to the Capitals as he embarks on his eighth NHL season. At 28 years of age, Mangiapane is in the final year of his current contract, which carries a $5.8 million cap hit. Last season with the Flames, he played 75 games, netting 14 goals and assisting on 26 others, adding up to a total of 40 points. This was a dip from his remarkable 2021-22 season, in which he achieved career highs with 35 goals and 55 points. Over his career with Calgary, Mangiapane has amassed 109 goals and 106 assists, bringing his career points tally to 215 in 417 games.
For the Capitals, this move is part of a broader strategy to bolster their offensive capabilities. Last season, the Capitals ranked 28th in goals-per-game average, managing just 2.63. The addition of Mangiapane, a proven playmaker, promises to complement their existing roster and potentially elevate their scoring performance.
The recent activity in Washington's front office has been significant. Capitals General Manager Brian MacLellan has been proactive in reshaping the team’s roster. Just last week, MacLellan secured center Pierre Luc-Dubois from the Los Angeles Kings. This acquisition came at the cost of trading their goalie, Darcy Kuemper. The team is also dealing with injuries to key players like center Nicklas Backstrom and winger T.J. Oshie, making these new additions even more imperative.
Despite these challenges, the Capitals managed to make the playoffs last season. The presence of stalwarts like captain Alex Ovechkin, who is currently 42 goals shy of breaking Wayne Gretzky's NHL career goals record, provides a solid foundation around which to build. Mangiapane’s inclusion is anticipated to add depth and facilitate a more dynamic offensive strategy.
Mangiapane's skills as a playmaker are expected to resonate well within the Capitals’ system. His ability to create opportunities and his on-ice vision will be pivotal as the team navigates the upcoming season. The Capitals’ faithful will be hopeful that Mangiapane can replicate some of the form he showed during his peak season, providing the necessary spark to their attack.
As the season approaches, anticipation is building around how these roster changes will translate on the ice. The integration of Mangiapane, alongside other new and established players, sets the stage for what could be a revitalized and more potent Capitals offensive unit. With Mangiapane’s addition, the Capitals continue their quest to remain competitive and aim for another deep playoff run.
The Capitals will look to their seasoned veterans and new acquisitions alike to step up and drive the team forward. The coming months will reveal just how impactful these moves have been, but for now, Washington fans have reason to be optimistic about the team's trajectory.