Recent discussions in the NHL community have centered around a proposed trade involving Andrew Mangiapane, with Edmonton Oilers fans expressing strong disapproval of the idea. The proposal, first mentioned by NHL insider Elliotte Friedman and TSN’s Mark Spector, suggests the Oilers trade forward Andrew Mangiapane to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Warren Foegele. This potential deal raises concerns given Mangiapane’s $3.6 million cap hit and Foegele’s nearly identical $3.5 million cap hit, both extending through the next season.
Fans on social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), voiced frustration over the move, calling it ineffective and risky for the Oilers’ future plans. One fan tweeted,
“No. Holland has sites on a legit center and Foegele is not the trade chip for that. Could be Thomas or Pettersson…or out of the blue surprise. But Holland certainly not doing EDM any favors.”
Another user highlighted cap space concerns, stating,
“In isolation, sure, I make that trade and bring Bouch back his buddy but Foegele is struggling just as hard in LA as Mang is here and the Oilers need $3.6MM of cap space from moving Mang not another cap inefficiency.”
Other prominent reactions questioned whether the swap would truly benefit the Oilers. One fan noted,
“I thought Foegele was unhappy with the Oilers after he left. He was being critical of the Management. Surely he would not come to Edmonton,”
while another added,
“I mean that depends why Holland ‘needs’ to move him. If he needs to free up cap space this won’t work.”
Some users debated the on-ice impact, with one asking if Foegele could fill specific roster roles:
“He’d help the PK and Mangiapane doesn’t have any special teams so yep in a second,”
whereas others remained skeptical about Foegele being the right answer.
Overview of Andrew Mangiapane’s Performance This Season
Andrew Mangiapane has struggled to find consistency since joining the Oilers last summer on a two-year, $7.2 million contract. His performance has been underwhelming, as he has often been a healthy scratch under head coach Kris Knoblauch due to inconsistent play and turnover issues. Through 46 games this season, Mangiapane recorded 12 points, evenly split between six goals and six assists.
These difficulties have contributed to the ongoing speculation regarding his future with Edmonton, and they fuel the debate about whether trading him would create room for more effective options on the roster.
Potential Implications of the Trade Proposal for the Oilers
The suggested trade between the Oilers and Kings carries significant risks according to many supporters of Edmonton’s team. With both Mangiapane and Foegele holding similar salary cap hits, the deal would not free up the financial flexibility the Oilers seem to require. Fans worry that this limits the team’s ability to pursue a stronger center, which appears to be a priority for GM Ken Holland.
If Edmonton moves forward with the trade, it may only offer a lateral change rather than addressing core issues within the lineup. Any cap space freed elsewhere could be crucial for acquiring high-impact players during or after the current NHL season. Meanwhile, the Oilers’ management faces mounting pressure to make moves that promote clear improvements rather than uncertain swaps.
Foegele ($3.5 M AAV thru next season) for Mangiapane ($3.6 M AAV thru next season), straight up? https://t.co/tBblMRSCxX
— Mark Spector🇨🇦🇺🇦 (@SportsnetSpec) February 9, 2026
No.
Holland has sites on a legit center and Foegele is not the trade chip for that. Could be Thomas or Pettersson…or out of the blue surprise. But Holland certainly not doing EDM any favors.— wegotlove (@BDANDD) February 9, 2026
In isolation, sure, I make that trade and bring Bouch back his buddy but Foegele is struggling just as hard in LA as Mang is here and the Oilers need $3.6MM of cap space from moving Mang not another cap inefficiency.
— OriginalPouzar (@coopsie39) February 9, 2026
I thought Foegele was unhappy with the Oilers after he left. He was being critical of the Management. Surely he would not come to Edmonton.
— Dora Anderson (@DoraGanders1) February 9, 2026
I mean that depends why Holland “needs” to move him. If he needs to free up cap space this won’t work.
— Dan Bessette (@db7db7) February 9, 2026
But then with that swap he’s the only body coming in due to cap space or not much of it? Is he the answer….. or should Mangi’s cap better spent elsewhere? Curious your opinion..
But if Henrique miraculously went out then it’s a different story!— Lee Munch (@LeeMunch) February 9, 2026
He’d help the PK and Mangiapane doesn’t have any special teams so yep in a second
— McJesus Saves (@McjesusSaves) February 9, 2026
