We still have plenty of NHL rumours despite the initial free agent frenzy. Teams already thinking about long-term deals and a Calgary Flames forward is seeking one. Today’s edition of NHL rumours focuses on a long-term Andrew Mangiapane contract.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Andrew Mangiapane Seeks Lengthy Deal
Sportsnet senior writer Eric Francis said that Mangiapane and his agent, Ritch Winter, are open to a long-term deal. This news came out yesterday and Francis had Winter on his Sportsnet 960 radio show.
Andrew Mangiapane has expressed to the #Flames an interest in signing a longer term deal. His agent, Ritch Winter, will join me on the EF Show at 12 MT to discuss that & many other issues like Johnny & what Canadian teams can do to be more attractive destinations.@Sportsnet960
— Eric Francis (@EricFrancis) July 18, 2022
There was a worry that the Flames wouldn’t be able to keep all their restricted free agents, but Johnny Gaudreau signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets has more money available. Players like Mangiapane, Matthew Tkachuk and Oliver Kylington are restricted free agents and finding money for those players would have been harder if Gaudreau stayed.
However, the Flames seem to be going in a different path by going with club-elected arbitration. The Flames would also like the keep Tkachuk long-term, but the pull going to back home to the St. Louis Blues may be too great.
What it Means
This could be a big boost to Mangiapane to get a longer contract than he thought. There was speculation that the Flames could only do a bridge deal while they sorted things out.
It’s not been the best off-season for general manager Brad Treliving, but keeping Mangiapane could salvage some of it. Mangiapane recorded a career-high 35 goals and looks to cash in on that great season. The Bolton, Ontario native was also the MVP of the 2021 IIHF World Championships. He helped Team Canada win the gold medal in Latvia.
Mangiapane did elect for arbitration, but both sides can reach a contract before the hearing. Kylington and Mangiapane both filed for salary arbitration.
The @EricFrancis Show presented by @thehorsesab
🔥 Ritch Winter weighs in on Andrew Mangiapane’s future and how different players approach #NHLFreeAgency
🏒 Thoughts on Johnny Gaudreau’s departure
🍎https://t.co/MimCAgZC7h
🎧https://t.co/K4NpMcDdiS pic.twitter.com/E09OiTuQvE— Sportsnet 960 (@Sportsnet960) July 18, 2022
